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Contract Type Matrix

Part 13 — Micro-Purchase


FAR 13.401

A simplified micro-purchase is a purchase valued at or below the micro-purchase threshold. Under RFO FAR Part 13, micro-purchases for noncommercial products and services are addressed at FAR 13.401, which directs contracting officers to follow the procedures in FAR Subpart 12.4 when making purchases valued at or below the micro-purchase threshold.

Micro-purchases are intended to reduce administrative burden for low-dollar purchases. They are commonly made using the Governmentwide commercial purchase card when authorized by agency procedures.

Micro-purchases do not require written provisions or clauses. However, FAR 52.232-39, Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations, automatically applies to any micro-purchase, including those made with the Governmentwide commercial purchase card.

Common Applications

  • Low-dollar noncommercial products and services
  • Minor repair parts
  • Routine support services
  • One-time purchases at or below the micro-purchase threshold
  • Low-dollar supplies or services not available from required sources
  • Construction, R&D, or other noncommercial needs when otherwise appropriate and within the threshold

 

Restrictions

  • Must be at or below the applicable micro-purchase threshold.
  • Applies under FAR Part 13 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.
  • Requirements may not be split to avoid a higher-level acquisition procedure or threshold.
  • Must comply with agency purchase card procedures and applicable funding, ethics, required-source, cybersecurity, accessibility, and approval requirements.
  • Micro-purchases do not require written provisions or clauses, but FAR 52.232-39 automatically applies.

 

Pros

Cons
Fast and simple method for acquiring low-dollar noncommercial needs. Limited to purchases at or below the micro-purchase threshold.
Reduces administrative burden and procurement lead time. FAR Part 13 applies only when commercial products or commercial services will not satisfy the need.
Governmentwide commercial purchase card use can streamline ordering and payment. Not suitable for complex, recurring, high-risk, or higher-dollar requirements.
Minimal clause and documentation requirements. Requirements cannot be split to stay under the threshold.
Useful for low-dollar noncommercial purchases. Agency-specific approvals and policy controls may still apply.

 

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