Procurement procedure · Free
Simplified Acquisition & RFQs
Under-SAT buys (FAR 13), quotes vs offers, why speed favors prepared SMEs
What wins points
Use the Simplified Acquisition Procedure to stay at or below the simplified acquisition threshold and comply with FAR 52.212‑1 (submission format, page limits, deadline).
What gets bids disqualified
Exceeding the SAT, missing required representations & certifications (52.204‑8), or submitting late will cause a non‑responsive disqualification.
Evaluator's view
Verify compliance with FAR 52.212‑1(f) deadline and that SBA size‑standard eligibility is documented using S22.
Simplified Acquisition & RFQs
What this is
A streamlined process for acquiring supplies or services at or below the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT). It allows small businesses to submit quotes quickly without the full formal solicitation.
When you need it
Use for purchases that do not exceed the SAT (see FAR Part 13) – typically <$250,000 for commercial items. Mandatory for non‑commercial acquisitions under the threshold; optional but recommended for commercial RFQs to speed up competition.
How to fill it in
- Confirm the total dollar value is at or below the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT). Check the solicitation’s Section L for the threshold [PLACEHOLDER].
- Determine if the requirement can be met via a simplified acquisition – no complex engineering, limited technical specifications.
- Prepare a concise statement of work (SOW) or performance work statement (PWS); keep it under one page.
- Publish the solicitation as an RFQ on SAM.gov; include all required representations & certifications (52.204‑8).
- Provide clear evaluation criteria in the solicitation – price, delivery schedule, and compliance with small‑business size standards (see SBA Size Standards) [S22].
- Set a realistic response deadline; FAR 52.212‑1(f) requires strict adherence to the posted date.
- Evaluate quotes using best value or lowest price technically acceptable methods as dictated in the solicitation.
- Document award decision, include a compliance matrix referencing all applicable FAR clauses.
Template
[PROJECT NAME] – Simplified Acquisition RFQ ------------------------------------------------------------ 1. **Title:** [Brief title] 2. **SAR/NAICS:** [Code] 3. **Estimated Value:** $[Amount] (≤ SAT) 4. **Period of Performance:** [Start Date] to [End Date] 5. **Scope of Work:** - [Bullet 1] - [Bullet 2] 6. **Evaluation Criteria:** - Price (weight %) – lowest price acceptable - Technical compliance (weight %) 7. **Required Representations & Certifications:** - SBA size standard compliance – see SBA Size Standards [S22] - SAM registration status 8. **Submission Instructions:** - Deadline: [Date/Time] (FAR 52.212‑1(f) strict) - Format: PDF, max 2 pages per offer 9. **Contact:** [Name, Email, Phone]
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