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Contract Type Matrix

Simplified — Blanket Purchase Agreement

FAR 13.201

A simplified Blanket Purchase Agreement, or BPA, may be used for recurring purchases of noncommercial products or services valued at or below the simplified acquisition threshold. Under RFO FAR Part 13, these procedures may be used only when no commercial product or commercial service can satisfy the agency’s needs and the supplies or services are not available from a required source.

For solicitation procedures, FAR 13.201 directs contracting officers to follow the simplified procedures at FAR 12.201-1 for issuing requests for quotations. FAR 13.201 also states that, when using BPAs, the maximum value of each individual purchase under a BPA may not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

A BPA is not itself a contract and does not obligate funds when established. It is an arrangement that establishes terms for future purchases when recurring needs are anticipated, but the exact items, quantities, or delivery requirements may not be known in advance. Funds are obligated when an authorized purchase is placed under the BPA.

Common Applications

  • Recurring noncommercial products and services
  • Routine noncommercial support services
  • Minor repair parts or specialized supplies not available commercially
  • Construction-related recurring needs when used with FAR Part 36, as applicable
  • Research and development support when used with FAR Part 35, as appropriate
  • Other recurring noncommercial needs at or below the SAT

Restrictions

  • Must be for noncommercial products or services.
  • FAR Part 13 may be used only when commercial products or commercial services cannot satisfy the agency’s needs.
  • The supplies or services must not be available from a required source.
  • Each individual purchase under the BPA may not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.
  • Requirements may not be divided merely to use simplified acquisition procedures.
  • Competition must be promoted to the maximum extent practicable.
  • Acquisitions above the micro-purchase threshold but at or below the SAT must generally be set aside for small business concerns.
  • The contracting officer must determine prices fair and reasonable for purchases under the BPA.
  • Do not use FAR Part 12 clauses for noncommercial acquisitions; use applicable clauses prescribed elsewhere in the FAR and, when appropriate, FAR 52.213-4.

 

Pros

 Cons
Simplifies recurring noncommercial purchases. Limited to noncommercial products and services.
Reduces administrative burden and procurement lead time for repeat buys. Cannot be used when commercial products or commercial services can meet the need.
Allows terms to be established before exact quantities or delivery needs are known. A BPA is not a contract and does not itself obligate funds.
Can support small business participation through the required set-aside rule. Each individual purchase under the BPA may not exceed the SAT.
Useful for routine, recurring needs where simplified procedures are appropriate. Orders still require proper competition, funding, price reasonableness, and documentation.

 

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