Simplified Acquisition Procedure: A Guide for Federal Contractors

Simplified Acquisition Procedure: A Guide for Federal Contractors

The Simplified Acquisition Procedures, detailed in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13, provide a more streamlined approach to federal purchasing. These procedures are designed to make the acquisition of supplies and services quicker and less burdensome for the government.

What is the Simplified Acquisition Procedure?

The Simplified Acquisition Procedure is a set of rules that applies to federal purchases under a certain dollar threshold, currently set at $250,000. These rules reduce the administrative workload, making it easier and faster for the government to meet its procurement needs. In some cases, the procedures may apply to larger purchases, especially for commercial items, up to $7 million when option years are included.

Additionally, the micro-purchase threshold is set at $10,000, which allows for even smaller purchases to be made using minimal administrative procedures. Purchases between $10,000 and $250,000 fall under the Simplified Acquisition Procedure, providing opportunities for small businesses to compete for federal contracts without facing the same level of competition as they would in larger acquisitions.

Why Simplified Acquisition Procedure Matters

The Simplified Acquisition Procedure benefits both the government and small businesses. By making it easier to procure goods and services, these procedures allow small businesses—especially those in set-aside categories like Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB/EDWOSB), HUBZone Small Businesses, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB/VOSB)—to access federal contracts more readily.

The goal of SAP is to reduce administrative costs, increase procurement efficiency, and provide more contracting opportunities to small businesses that might not have the resources to compete for larger federal contracts.

Temporary Threshold Increases Under the Stafford Act

In times of national emergency, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Stafford Act has temporarily raised the simplified acquisition thresholds. Under this act, the threshold increased from $250,000 to $750,000, and the commercial item threshold rose from $7 million to $13 million. These adjustments enabled the federal government to respond more quickly to critical needs, providing even greater opportunities for small businesses to win federal contracts.

How the Simplified Acquisition Program Can Help You Access These Contracts

While the Simplified Acquisition Procedure refers to the purchasing rules within the FAR, the Simplified Acquisition Program (SAP), offered by USFCR, is a unique service designed to help small businesses successfully compete for these federal contracts.

The Simplified Acquisition Program equips businesses with the tools and resources they need to gain visibility and credibility in the federal marketplace. This program includes:

• SAM Registration
• DSBS Profile Setup
• Capability Statement Development
• SAP Training through USFCR Academy

By utilizing USFCR’s Simplified Acquisition Program, your business will be better positioned to access contracts that fall under the Simplified Acquisition Procedure. With proper registration, profile setup, and marketing strategies, you can secure contracts that will help grow your federal business. Contact USFCR to learn more about this revolutionary contracting program.