Simplified Acquisition Procedures provide a basic foundation for understanding the federal procurement process. Federal acquisition is now more than a $300 billion-a-year business and it is estimated that the greatest number of all purchases are simplified acquisitions. The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act made significant changes in the way Federal agencies conduct their “small purchases.” This act supported the Government’s efforts to achieve the goals of obtaining best value, minimizing administrative operating costs and fulfilling public policy objectives while conducting business with integrity and fairness.
This course provides in-depth coverage of the simplified methods of procurement as detailed in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13. There are many interrelated FAR requirements that must be considered when procuring under FAR Part 13. Other related parts of the FAR will be covered including FAR Part 6 Competition Requirements; FAR Part 8 Required Sources of Supplies and Services; and FAR Part 19 Socioeconomic Programs—as well as other relevant topical areas. An orientation to the policies and procedures for simplified acquisitions will be provided. Content will flow through the various phases of procurement from development of the purchase request, preparation of the purchase order, evaluation, award and inspection, to acceptance and closeout.
This course provides a solid knowledge base for all participants to ensure that they can prepare FAR compliant business arrangements when using Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Innovative techniques and approaches will be highlighted that can be considered whether placing orders through required sources of supply or making open-market buys from commercial sources.
The Course Curriculum
1. Introduction to the Federal Acquisition Regulation and Simplified Acquisition Procedures a. Definitions and key statutes b. Simplified acquisition procedures c. Electronic commerce d. Acquisition of commercial items 2. Overview of the Fundamentals a. Introduction of the federal procurement process b. Relevant laws and regulations c. Procurement authority d. Ethical considerations 3. Acquisition Planning a. Market research b. The purchase request c. Developing the cost estimate d. Justifications and approvals e. Selecting contract type f. Considerations for research & development, construction, and services 4. Using Required Sources a. Government sources for supplies and services b. Using the General Services Administration Federal Supply Schedules c. Other existing contracts; Government-wide Agency Contracts (GWAC’s), and Multi-agency contracts (MAC’s) 5. Purchasing in the Open Market a. Publicizing b. Competition requirements c. Soliciting sources d. Evaluating quotations e. Documentation 6. Socio-economic and Other Considerations a. Small business set-asides b. Small business procurement goals c. Buy American Act d. Application of labor law e. Environmental considerations 7. Simplified Acquisition Methods a. Governmentwide commercial purchase card b. Blanket purchase agreements c. Standard Form 44 d. Imprest funds e. Developing the Purchase Order f. Task and delivery orders under Indefinite-delivery contracts g. Unpriced purchase orders 8. Purchase Order Administration a. Modifications b. Terminations and cancellations c. Standard clauses d. Payments e. Closeout
1. Introduction to the Federal Acquisition Regulation and Simplified Acquisition Procedures
a. Definitions and key statutes b. Simplified acquisition procedures c. Electronic commerce d. Acquisition of commercial items
2. Overview of the Fundamentals
a. Introduction of the federal procurement process b. Relevant laws and regulations c. Procurement authority d. Ethical considerations
3. Acquisition Planning
a. Market research b. The purchase request c. Developing the cost estimate d. Justifications and approvals e. Selecting contract type f. Considerations for research & development, construction, and services
4. Using Required Sources
a. Government sources for supplies and services b. Using the General Services Administration Federal Supply Schedules c. Other existing contracts; Government-wide Agency Contracts (GWAC’s), and Multi-agency contracts (MAC’s)
5. Purchasing in the Open Market
a. Publicizing b. Competition requirements c. Soliciting sources d. Evaluating quotations e. Documentation
6. Socio-economic and Other Considerations
a. Small business set-asides b. Small business procurement goals c. Buy American Act d. Application of labor law e. Environmental considerations
7. Simplified Acquisition Methods
a. Governmentwide commercial purchase card b. Blanket purchase agreements c. Standard Form 44 d. Imprest funds e. Developing the Purchase Order f. Task and delivery orders under Indefinite-delivery contracts g. Unpriced purchase orders
8. Purchase Order Administration
a. Modifications b. Terminations and cancellations c. Standard clauses d. Payments e. Closeout
