Why Part 13 Matters

Simplified acquisitions constitute the largest volume of federal procurement transactions. The micro-purchase threshold ($10,000 general, $25,000 for certain categories) allows purchases without competitive quotations. Contractors pursuing smaller opportunities must understand BPA structures, purchase card limitations, and the streamlined evaluation approaches used in simplified acquisitions. The Subpart 13.5 test program significantly expands these efficiencies for commercial buys.

Key Topics in Part 13

FAR Part 13 addresses several critical areas of the federal acquisition process. Understanding these topics is essential for both contracting officers and contractors working within this regulatory framework.

• Simplified acquisition threshold procedures
• Micro-purchase thresholds and procedures
• Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)
• Government commercial purchase card
• Subpart 13.5 commercial item test program
• Quotation evaluation and award procedures
• Sole-source procedures under SAT
• Imprest funds and third-party drafts

How FAR Part 13 Applies

The Federal Acquisition Regulation is organized into 53 parts, each covering a distinct area of the procurement process. Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) is part of this framework and works in conjunction with other FAR parts to create a comprehensive regulatory structure. Contracting officers must comply with all applicable parts when executing procurement actions, and contractors must understand the requirements that flow from these regulations into their contracts.

The requirements in Part 13 may be implemented through specific contract clauses prescribed in FAR Part 52. When a clause references Part 13, the substantive requirements originate here, while Part 52 provides the actual clause language incorporated into contracts and solicitations.

Subparts

FAR Part 13 is divided into 5 subparts, each addressing a specific aspect of simplified acquisition procedures.

• 13.1 — Procedures
• 13.2 — Actions at or Below the Micro-Purchase Threshold
• 13.3 — Simplified Acquisition Methods
• 13.4 — Fast Payment Procedure
• 13.5 — Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Products and Commercial Services

Reading FAR Part 13

The full text of FAR Part 13 is available on the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The eCFR provides the most current version of the regulation, including any recent amendments published through Federal Acquisition Circulars (FACs). For historical versions, use the eCFR's point-in-time search feature.

• What does FAR Part 13 cover?

  FAR Part 13 covers simplified acquisition procedures within the federal acquisition process. FAR Part 13 establishes simplified acquisition procedures for purchases at or below the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), as well as test programs for commercial items up to $7.5 million. It promotes efficiency through methods including purchase orders, blanket purchase agreements (BPAs), government commercial purchase cards, and imprest funds. Subpart 13.5 extends simplified procedures to certain commercial product/service acquisitions above the SAT.

• Who must comply with FAR Part 13?

  FAR Part 13 applies to all executive branch agencies conducting acquisitions, unless a specific exemption exists. Contractors must comply with the requirements that are incorporated into their contracts through prescribed clauses from FAR Part 52. Agency-specific supplements (DFARS, GSAM, etc.) may add additional requirements beyond the base FAR.

• Where can I read the full text of FAR Part 13?

  The full text is available on the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). You can also access it through acquisition.gov, which is maintained by the General Services Administration. Both sources reflect the most current version of the regulation.

• How does FAR Part 13 relate to contract clauses?

  FAR Part 13 establishes the substantive policies and procedures. The actual clause language that gets incorporated into contracts is found in FAR Part 52. Each clause in Part 52 includes a "prescription" that references the relevant policy part, creating a direct link between the requirement and its implementation in the contract.