FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 8: Required Sources of Supplies and Services › Subpart 8.4

FAR 8.401 Definitions.

The codified text (eCFR, as of 2026-10-02). Under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul ↗, agencies follow class deviations with new text for many parts while the formal rules go through the Federal Register: check the solicitation and your contract's clauses, which rule.

In plain English

This section defines key terms used in the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) ordering rules. It explains who can place orders, what MAS contracts are, and related terms like 'requiring agency' and 'Special Item Number.' Contractors selling through GSA or VA schedules need to know these definitions because they determine how orders are placed and who is eligible to buy.

Applies to: Contractors and agencies involved in GSA or VA Multiple Award Schedule ordering

Key terms: Ordering activity · Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) · Requiring agency · Schedules e-Library · Special Item Number (SIN)

Written by AI from this section's text. A guide, not legal advice: the text below rules.

The text

As used in this subpart—

Ordering activity means an activity that is authorized to place orders, or establish blanket purchase agreements (BPA), against the General Services Administration's (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule contracts. A list of eligible ordering activities is available at http://www.gsa.gov/schedules (click “For Customers Ordering from Schedules” and then “Eligibility to Use GSA Sources”).

Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) means contracts awarded by GSA or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for similar or comparable supplies, or services, established with more than one supplier, at varying prices. The primary statutory authorities for the MAS program are 41 U.S.C. 152(3), Competitive Procedures, and 40 U.S.C. 501, Services for Executive Agencies.

Requiring agency means the agency needing the supplies or services.

Schedules e-Library means the on-line source for GSA and VA Federal Supply Schedule contract award information. Schedules e-Library may be accessed at http://www.gsa.gov/elibrary.

Special Item Number (SIN) means a group of generically similar (but not identical) supplies or services that are intended to serve the same general purpose or function.

Sections that refer to it

← 8.104 Obtaining nonreportable property. · 8.402 General. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 8

Source: eCFR, 48 CFR chapters 1 and 2 (GPO GovInfo bulk data) ↗. Plain words for the terms: glossary.

FAR 8.401 Definitions · SpendQuery