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What is a BPA in federal contracting, and how do you get an agency to set one up with you?

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  • A Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is an agreement that can be set up directly with a qualified vendor, but it is important to understand that a BPA itself is not a contract, it is a simplified method of placing orders against an existing GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract, or another federal supply...
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My court reporting firm, NAICS 561492, provides services for a federal agency office. We do a lot of small jobs for them, always under the micro-purchase threshold, and each one comes in on a new purchase order. It works for us, but a contracting specialist mentioned that setting up a Blanket Purchase Agreement would make things easier for everyone.

I have seen the term BPA on SAM.gov, but I am not sure what it is or how to get one. Is there a certain process we have to follow to get an agency to set one up with us?

bpagsa-schedulemicro-purchase-thresholdsam-govnaics-code
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asked Jo R. Freelance proposal writer · Denver, CO · 406 rep

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A Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is an agreement that can be set up directly with a qualified vendor, but it is important to understand that a BPA itself is not a contract, it is a simplified method of placing orders against an existing GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract, or another federal supply schedule, or establishing terms with a vendor for open market buys. Nadia is correct that BPAs are covered by FAR Part 13.303. My firm has several BPAs under our GSA Multiple Award Schedule contract. When an agency sets up a BPA with you, they are essentially establishing a charge account for specific items or services at agreed-upon prices for a set period. Each time they need something, they issue a call or order against that BPA, which streamlines the process significantly compared to individual purchase orders.

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answered Grace L. Verified vendorGSA Schedule contract holder, office products and services · Chicago, IL · 321 rep
Thank you, Grace. I will look at FAR 13.303 next. Do you have any tips for convincing an agency to set up a BPA with a small business like mine? · Jo R. ·
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A Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is a simplified method of filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services by establishing charge accounts with qualified sources. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13.303 covers BPAs. Your current process of individual purchase orders for small jobs is common, but a BPA streamlines the ordering process for both your firm and the agency.

To get an agency to set one up, you must first confirm that they are allowed to use a BPA for your services. BPAs are typically used for purchases that do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Your contracting specialist's suggestion is a good sign. You should express your interest to the contracting officer or specialist you are already working with. They will then determine if a BPA is appropriate for their needs and if your firm is a suitable source. The agency will need to evaluate your firm's prices, quality, and delivery for the types of services you provide. There is no formal solicitation process for a BPA like there would be for a larger contract. It is an agreement that can be set up directly with a qualified vendor.

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answered Nadia F. Verified vendorWOSB owner, management consulting · Minneapolis, MN · 472 rep

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Sign up to answerCite the FAR clause or procurement code where you can.

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