Source & Authority Information
- •2.101 Definitions. | Acquisition.GOV(accessed August 26, 2026)
- •13.003 Policy. | Acquisition.GOV(accessed August 26, 2026)
AI-assisted and automatically checked against the linked primary sources.
When do simplified acquisition procedures apply?
FAR 13.003 is the operative policy for simplified acquisition procedures. According to the cited rule, agencies shall use SAP to the maximum extent practicable for purchases of supplies or services not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, including purchases at or below the micro-purchase threshold. The same section says SAP does not apply when the agency can meet the requirement through required sources of supply under part 8, existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts, or other established contracts. For acquisitions above the micro-purchase threshold but at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, the contracting officer shall set aside the acquisition for small business concerns. FAR 13.003 also permits awards under the 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB programs, and it prohibits breaking down requirements to fit under the threshold. FAR 2.101 shows that acquisition is broader than award alone and includes requirements description, source selection, award, financing, performance, and administration.
Process
- 1Confirm the requirement scope
Use FAR 2.101 to treat acquisition as the full process from identifying needs through award and administration, not just the contract award itself.
- 2Check whether SAP is available
Use simplified acquisition procedures for purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold unless part 8 sources, an existing IDIQ, or another established contract can satisfy the need.
- 3Apply the correct set-aside rule
If the acquisition is above the micro-purchase threshold but at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, set it aside for small business concerns.
- 4Avoid threshold workarounds
Do not break down a requirement into several purchases just to use SAP or avoid requirements tied to higher thresholds.
FAR 13.003(c)(2) bars breaking down requirements that aggregate above the applicable threshold into several purchases merely to permit use of simplified acquisition procedures or to avoid requirements that apply above the micro-purchase threshold.