FAR Part 13: Simplified Acquisition Procedures

In plain English

FAR Part 13 provides simplified acquisition procedures for purchases of supplies and services, including construction and research and development, when the aggregate amount does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. It aims to reduce administrative costs, improve opportunities for small businesses, and promote efficiency. For contractors, this part governs how agencies solicit, evaluate, and award contracts using streamlined methods, including micro-purchases, purchase orders, and blanket purchase agreements.

Key rules

• Agencies must use simplified acquisition procedures to the maximum extent practicable for purchases at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, unless they can meet the need through required sources under Part 8. (13.003)
• A quotation is not an offer and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract; a contract is established only when the supplier accepts the Government's order. (13.004)
• Certain laws and contract clauses are inapplicable to contracts and subcontracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold. (13.005, 13.006)
• Contracting officers must promote competition to the maximum extent practicable and must not solicit quotations based on personal preference or restrict solicitation to well-known and widely distributed products. (13.104)
• Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the price is considered reasonable, and they should be distributed equitably among qualified suppliers. (13.203)
• The Governmentwide commercial purchase card is the preferred method to purchase and pay for micro-purchases. (13.201)
• Blanket purchase agreements (BPAs) are established with qualified sources to fill anticipated repetitive needs, and individual purchases under a BPA must not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold unless agency regulations allow a higher threshold. (13.303-1, 13.303-5)
• For acquisitions above the simplified acquisition threshold but not exceeding $9 million ($15 million for certain acquisitions), simplified procedures may be used if the contracting officer expects offers will be from a sufficient number of sources. (13.500)

Who does what

In practice

• When bidding on simplified acquisitions, keep in mind that your quotation is not a binding offer; the Government's order is the offer that you must accept to form a contract.
• For micro-purchases, agencies may not seek competitive quotations, so ensure your prices are reasonable and that you are registered in SAM to be considered.
• If you have a BPA, individual orders may be placed without further competition, but the BPA itself must be established competitively and reviewed annually.
• For acquisitions under Subpart 13.5, be aware that the agency may use simplified procedures for larger purchases up to $9 million, but sole-source awards require written justification.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming a quotation creates a binding contract: FAR 13.004 clarifies that a quotation is not an offer and the Government's order is the offer, so do not start performance until you have accepted the order.
• Ignoring the inapplicability of certain clauses: FAR 13.006 lists clauses that do not apply at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, so do not assume all standard clauses are included.
• Failing to distribute micro-purchases equitably: FAR 13.203 requires equitable distribution among qualified suppliers, so agencies should not repeatedly buy from the same supplier without justification.
• Overlooking the annual review requirement for BPAs: FAR 13.303-6 requires that BPAs be reviewed at least annually, so contractors should ensure their BPA terms remain current.

Written by AI from this part's codified text (2026-10-04); cited sections are checked against the part. A guide, not legal advice: the regulation text, the solicitation and your contract rule.