General Services Administration

Washington, DC 20405

APD 2800.12B, CHGE 1\
September 30, 1999

GSA ORDER

Subject: General Services Administration Acquisition Manual (GSAM)

1\. [Purpose]{.underline}. This order transmits a revision to the
General Services Administration Acquisition Manual.

2\. [Background]{.underline}. This change:

a\. Updates requirements for the Contracting Officers Warrant Program to
reflect courses in the Governmentwide acquisition training contracts
issued by GSA.

b\. Clarifies appropriate use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase
card as a payment method.

c\. Extends the date of GSA\'s direct 8(a) contracting authority to
January 1, 2000, under an extension to the Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) between GSA and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

d\. Deletes guidance that duplicates the FAR.

e\. Removes reproductions of forms available on-line.

3\. [Effective date]{.underline}. October 1, 1999.

4\. [Explanation of changes]{.underline}.

a\. Section 501.6, Career Development, Contracting Authority, and
Responsibilities, is revised to reflect course titles in the
Governmentwide acquisition training contracts issued by GSA and to
update course equivalencies.

b\. Section 513.301, Governmentwide commercial purchase card, clarifies
use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card as a payment method
in procurement actions that exceed the micropurchase threshold.

c\. Section 519.870-1, Authority and applicability, extends the date of
GSA\'s direct 8(a) contracting authority to January 1, 2000.

d\. Section 519.1102, Applicability, deletes the exclusion for multiple
award schedule contracts from price evaluation adjustment requirements.
FAR 19.1102(b) now incorporates this exclusion.

Distribution: SPC 4048 Attachment

APD 2800.12B, CHGE 1

e\. Section 553.3, Illustrations of Forms, is revised to update the list
of forms available on-line and to delete the reproductions of Standard
Form 2, U.S. Government Lease for Real Property, and GSA Form 3626, U.S.
Government Lease for Real Property (Short Form), which are available
on-line.

5\. [Filing instructions]{.underline}. Remove and insert the following
pages to the GSAR:

[Remove pages]{.underline} [Insert pages]{.underline}

A-13 thru A-20 same

C-1 thru C-2 same

D-15 thru D-16 same

D-23 thru D-24 same

Subchapter H Table of Contents, v same

H-137 thru H-138 same

H-139 thru H-140 none

H-181 thru H-182 same

H-183 thru H-184 none

Ida M. Ustad

Deputy Associate Administrator

for Acquisition Policy

\(v\) Course tests must be administered by a GSA test control officer
and scored by the Office of Acquisition Policy (MV). Instructors may not
serve as test control officers for the same course. A current list of
GSA test control officers is contained on GSA Insite at:
http://insite.gsa.private/acqwork.

\(3\) Employees who complete courses in the Governmentwide acquisition
curriculum from sources other than contractors on the Federal Supply
Service acquisition training contract or an accredited college or
university are cautioned that such courses may not be eligible for
college credit unless the training organization has received a positive
credit recommendation from American Council of Education. This includes
training provided by designated GSA employees.

\(4\) The minimum training requirements apply to all contracting
officers appointed on or after the date when the Governmentwide
acquisition courses become available.

\(i\) Individuals holding a permanent warrant issued before the
Governmentwide acquisition courses became available are not required to
take additional training, other than the training required for
continuing education. However, such contracting officers should give
priority to completing any new COWP training requirements in fulfilling
the continuing education requirement.

\(ii\) Individuals holding an interim warrant issued before the
Governmentwide acquisition curriculum became available must complete the
new training requirements prior to receiving a permanent warrant. A
training course received before availablity of the Governmentwide
curriculum may be used to satisfy a new course requirement if it meets
both of the following conditions: the interim warrant holder completed
and received training credit from GSA for the course before availability
of the Governtwide acquisition curriculum, and the course is accepted as
equivalent to one of the new required training courses (see
501.603-2(f)).

\(c\) [Minimum training requirements]{.underline}.

\(1\) [Micro-Purchase]{.underline} level candidates must receive
on-the-job orientation or formal training in simplified acquisition
procedures. Personnel who have completed any of the following courses
meet the requirement: Small Purchases/Schedule Contracts, Simplified
Acquisitions, Introduction to Contracting, Interactive Customer
Assistance CD-ROM micro-purchase training, GSA disk titled \"GSA
Purchase Card Program, IMPAC (VISA).\"

\(2\) [Basic]{.underline} level candidates for:

\(i\) [Fleet manager warrants]{.underline} must complete the Basic Fleet
Management Procurement course (40 hours).

\(ii\) [Fleet sales warrants]{.underline} must complete only the Fleet
Sales course (40 hours) when commercial contractors will conduct fleet
sales.

GSAM\
APD 2800.12B, 09-01-99 A-13

\(iii\) [Building manager warrants]{.underline} must complete the COR
Mentor training course in addition to other courses required at this
warrant level. The COR Mentor is a self-paced, on-line training course
available at: http://www.faionline.com.

\(3\) Candidates for [warrants at the simplified acquisition,
intermediate, or senior levels]{.underline} currently serving and
classified in 1102 or 1170 positions or in positions whose primary
responsibility involved contracting for an uninterrupted period of 3
years do not have to take the basic level courses.

\(4\) [Personal property sales warrant]{.underline} candidates who are
classified in 1104 positions, excluding marketing positions, for an
uninterrupted period of 3 years are not required to take the Personal
Property Utilization and Disposal course.

\(5\) [Construction contracting officer representative]{.underline}
(COR) candidates with authority:

\(i\) Limited to the issuance of change orders up to \$25,000 must
complete the COR Mentor training course (available at
http://www.faionline.com) and Construction Contracting.

\(ii\) Above the basic level must complete all courses required at the
higher level.

\(6\) [TSR-issuer]{.underline} candidates must receive on-the-job
orientation or formal training on the proper procedures for issuing TSRs
and on the responsibilities and obligations of contracting officers.

\(7\) [Contracting officers with dual warrant authority]{.underline}
(e.g., with authority to dispose of and to acquire goods and services)
must complete the mandatory training required for both types of warrant
authority, based on the appropriate warrant level.

\(8\) [Other warrant]{.underline} level training is outlined in Figure
501-1.

\(d\) [Testing out of a course]{.underline}. \[Reserved\]

GSAM\
A-14 APD 2800.12B, CHGE 1, 10-1-99

  ------------------------- ----- --------------- ---- -------------- ---- -------- ----------- ---- ----- ----
                                  **CONTRACTING                                     **WARRANT              
                                  OFFICER                                           LEVELS**               
                                  CATEGORIES**                                                             

  Courses                   Hrs   DP              DR                  R    All      B           SA   Int   Sr
                                                                           other                           
                                                                           CO's                            

  Acquisition or            40                                                                       XI    XI
  Procurement Planning I                                                                                   

  Simplified Acquisitions   40                                                      X           XI         

  Contract Formation I      40                                                                       XI    XI

  Contracting by Sealed     40                                                                       XI    XI
  Bidding                                                                                                  

  Contract Administration I 40                                                                  X    XI    XI

  Price Analysis            40                                                                       XI    XI

  Cost Analysis             40                                                                       XI    XI

  Negotiation Techniques    40                                                                       X     XI

  Acquisition or            40                                                                             X
  Procurement Planning II                                                                                  

  Contract Formation II     40                                                                             X

  Contract Administration   40                                                                       X     XI
  II                                                                                                       

  Contract Law              40                                                                       X     XI

  Intermediate Contract     40                                                                       X     X
  Pricing                                                                                                  

  Contracting for           40                                                                       XI    XI
  Architect/Engineer                                                                                       
  Services                                                                                                 

  Construction Contracting  40                                                                       XI    XI

  Federal Real Property     40                                                                  X    XI    XI
  Leasing or Basic Lease                                                                                   
  Contracting                                                                                              

  Cost and Price Analysis   40                                                                       XI    XI
  of Lease Proposals                                                                                       

  Real Estate Law or        40                                                                       X     XI
  Federal Real Property                                                                                    
  Lease Law                                                                                                

  Real Estate Appraisal     40                                                                             X
  Principles                                                                                               

  Techniques of Negotiating 40                                                                  X    XI    XI
  Federal Real Property                                                                                    
  Leases                                                                                                   

  Personal Property Sales   80                                                      X           X    X     X

  Personal Property         32                                                      X           X    X     X
  Utilization & Disposal                                                                                   

  Disposal by Negotiation   24                                                                       X     X

  Disposal Contract Law     40                                                                             X

  Utilization & Disposal of 32                                                                       X     X
  Real Property                                                                                            

  Fleet Sales (fleet sales  40                                                                             X
  personnel only)                                                                                          

  Indicates required                                   DP Personal                                         
  courses                                              property                                            
                                                       disposal                                            
                                                       contracting                                         
                                                       officer                                             

  Indicates the course is                              DR Real                                             
  required only for                                    property                                            
  personnel handling the                               disposal                                            
  type of contract                                     contracting                                         
  addressed in the training                            officer\                                            
                                                       R Realty                                            
                                                       leasing                                             
                                                       contracting                                         
                                                       officer\                                            
                                                       B Basic                                             
                                                       warrant                                             

  X Means the course is                                SA Simplified                                       
  required for a permanent                             acquisition                                         
  warrant                                              warrant\                                            
                                                       Int                                                 
                                                       Intermediate                                        
                                                       warrant                                             

  I Means the course is                                Sr Senior                                           
  required for an interim                              warrant                                             
  warrant                                                                                                  
  ------------------------- ----- --------------- ---- -------------- ---- -------- ----------- ---- ----- ----

**Figure 501-1. Warrant Course Requirements**

GSAM\
APD 2800.12B, CHGE 1, 10-1-99 A-15

\(e\) [Educational requirements]{.underline}. Effective January 1, 2000,
applicants for permanent warrants above the simplified acquisition level
must meet the stated education requirements prior to receiving a
warrant. HCAs may, at their discretion, make this requirement effective
prior to January 1, 2000. These requirements apply to all candidates for
permanent warrants, regardless of job series.

\(1\) [Applicants at grades 5 through 12.]{.underline} Applicants for
permanent warrants above the simplified acquisition level, who are at
grades 5 through 12, must either have completed a 4-year course of study
leading to a bachelor\'s degree or have completed 24 semester hours in
any combination of the designated fields.

\(2\) [Applicants at grades 13 and above]{.underline}. Applicants for
permanent warrants above the simplified acquisition level, who are at
grade 13 or above, must have completed a 4- year course of study leading
to a bachelor\'s degree that included or was supplemented by at least 24
semester hours in any combination of the designated fields. The Senior
Procurement Executive may waive one, but not both, of these educational
requirements (i.e., either the requirement for a 4-year course of study
[or]{.underline} the requirement for 24 semester hours in designated
fields), for applicants at grades 13 and above. The applicant must
demonstrate significant analytical and decision-making capabilities, an
acceptable job performance record, and qualifying experience.

\(3\) The designated educational fields are:

\(i\) Accounting.

\(ii\) Business.

\(iii\) Finance.

\(iv\) Law.

\(v\) Contracts

\(vi\) Purchasing

\(vii\) Economics.

\(viii\) Industrial management.

\(ix\) Marketing.

GSAM\
A-16 APD 2800.12B, CHGE 1, 10-1-99

\(x\) Quantitative methods.

\(xi\) Organization and management.

\(f\) [Course equivalencies]{.underline}.

\(1\) For employees who completed training prior to availability of the
Governmentwide core curriculum, the following is a list of the courses
contained in the Governmentwide curriculum and the course equivalencies
that GSA will recognize. GSA cannot guarantee that other Federal
agencies will accept the same substitutes.

  ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
  **Governmentwide Curriculum     **Equivalent GSA Course**
  Course**                        

  Acquisition or Procurement      Introduction to Contracting plus\
  Planning I                      Procurement Planning

  Acquisition or Procurement      No equivalent
  Planning II                     

  Contract Formation I            Contracting by Negotiation

  Contract Formation II           Source Selection

  Contract Administration I       Contract Administration

  Contract Administration II      Advanced Contract Administration plus\
                                  Contract Termination

  Price Analysis                  Price Analysis

  Cost Analysis                   Cost Analysis

  Intermediate Contract Pricing   No equivalent

  Contract Law                    Contract Law

  Negotiation Techniques          Negotiation Techniques
  ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------

\(2\) GSA employees who have successfully completed a GSA approved
course are not required to complete the equivalent course in the
Governmentwide curriculum for warrant purposes in GSA. There are no GSA
courses considered equivalent to Acquisition or Procurement Planning II,
Intermediate Contract Pricing, or Contract Formation II.

\(3\) Acceptance of course equivalencies extends only to GSA-approved
courses successfully completed prior to availability of the
Governmentwide curriculum. Requests to consider course equivalencies for
training taken thereafter will not be considered or approved.

\(4\) Employees who attended courses approved as course equivalencies,
prior to availability of the Governmentwide curriculum, are not required
to complete the corresponding

GSAM\
APD 2800.12B, CHGE 1, 10-1-99 A-17

course in the Governmentwide curriculum. GSA Insite at:
http://insite.gsa.private/acqwork contains a list of course
equivalencies for GSA courses.

\(5\) Employees are cautioned that GSA\'s determination concerning the
acceptability of GSA-approved courses is not binding on other Federal
agencies. Employees who wish to qualify for senior 1102 positions in
other Federal agencies may want to complete the courses contained in the
Governmentwide core curriculum, as fulfillment of the mandatory training
requirements for 1102 positions at grades 13 and above, to ensure
acceptability across Government.

**501.603-3 Appointment.**

\(a\) [Authority to make micro-purchases or issue TSR\'s]{.underline}.

\(1\) HCAs may authorize division directors or higher level officials to
delegate contracting authority to employees to:

\(i\) Make purchases not to exceed \$2,500 (micro-purchases).

\(ii\) Issue TSRs for tariff services on, or in conjunction with,
existing telephone systems, to regulated local exchange telephone
companies.

(Officials so designated by the HCA may not redelegate their authority.)

\(2\) Memoranda delegating authority to issue TSRs must state that the
authority does not apply to Rate Stabilization Plans or orders for new
Centrex service on a site level basis, except for new locations that
require interim, temporary, small or emergency service.

\(3\) Branch chiefs or equivalent or Regional FTS Program Support Branch
Chiefs may request delegations of contracting authority for issuing
TSRs. The memorandum requesting appointment must include all the
following:

\(i\) Candidate\'s name, title, and organizational location.

\(ii\) Brief explanation of why authority is needed.

\(iii\) Brief description of the candidate\'s qualifications.

\(iv\) Statement that the candidate has received the required training.

\(b\) [Authority to make other purchases]{.underline}.

\(1\) [Nominations for appointment]{.underline}.

\(i\) The chairperson of COWB, or other designee established by the HCA,
submits nominations for appointment.

GSAM\
A-18 APD 2800.12B, CHGE 1, 10-1-99

\(ii\) Nominations are submitted on GSA Form 3410, Request for
Appointment and must be accompanied by one of the following: a GSA Form
3409, Personal Qualifications Statement for Appointment as a Contracting
Officer; a Standard Form 171, Personal Qualifications Statement,
prepared and signed by the candidate; or a resume detailing the
candidate\'s experience, education, and training relevant to the
position.

\(2\) [Certificate of Appointment]{.underline}.

\(i\) HCA\'s appoint contracting officers at the basic, simplified
acquisition, intermediate, or senior level using Standard Form 1402,
Certificate of Appointment. Appendix 501A provides suggested language
for use in preparing SF 1402\'s. The examples shown in Appendix 501A are
not meant to limit the issuance of warrants to only those contained in
the Appendix.

\(ii\) The HCA gives the original Certificate of Appointment to the
appointed contracting officer for display at his or her duty station.

\(3\) [Types of appointments]{.underline}. Candidates are nominated for
either an interim or permanent appointment.

\(i\) [Interim appointments]{.underline}. Interim appointments are for a
specified period of time. Personnel who hold interim simplified
acquisition warrants must complete all training required for a permanent
warrant within 1 year of the interim appointment. Personnel who hold
interim warrants above the simplified acquisition level must complete
all training and formal education required for a permanent warrant
within 3 years of the interim appointment. A candidate for an interim
warrant must have completed all courses required for an interim warrant
and have the necessary experience prior to appointment.

\(ii\) [Permanent appointments]{.underline}. A permanent appointment is
made to a candidate who meets all requirements for experience,
education, and training at the time the appointment is made. Permanent
appointments may be made for a specified period if the need for
contracting authority is limited to that time period.

\(c\) [Training required for continued appointment for other than
micro-purchase, TSR, or interim]{.underline} [warrants]{.underline}.

\(1\) To maintain competency, you must complete formal or informal
acquisition-related training as follows. The training may be
accomplished through completion of a training class or through any of
the examples cited in 501.603-3(c)(2) below.

\(i\) 16 hours every two years (for basic or simplified acquisition
level warrants).

\(ii\) 40 hours every 2 years (for intermediate or senior level
warrants).

GSAM\
APD 2800.12B CHGE 1, 10-1-99 A-19

\(2\) To meet this requirement, you may attend:

\(i\) In-house training sessions.

\(ii\) Courses designed to broaden procurement knowledge (e.g., Contract
Quality Assurance, Evaluating Contractor Performance, Alternative
Dispute Resolution Procedures), including repeat courses taken for
refresher training.

\(iii\) Courses related to procurement (e.g., Ethics, Standards of
Conduct).

\(iv\) Lectures, seminars, or conferences conducted by
nationally-recognized acquisition organizations or professional
associations (e.g., National Contract Management Association, National
Institute of Governmental Purchasing) or write papers or articles for
these groups.

\(v\) Training to acquire knowledge of the product or service you are
responsible for procuring (i.e., courses and in-house training sessions;
attending contractor sponsored seminars, conferences, and trade shows;
and site visits to a contractor\'s place of manufacture/performance to
learn about manufacturing/operations processes).

\(3\) If you successfully complete a professional certification program
offered by a nationally-recognized acquisition organization such as
NCMA, NIGP, NAPM, or equivalent organization, you fulfill the continuing
education requirements for contracting officers for a period of 3 years.
The 3-year period begins on the effective date of your professional
certification.

\(d\) [Authority to make purchases for domestic and national security
emergencies]{.underline}.

\(1\) If you have already been appointed as a contracting officer, you
may enter into contracts on behalf of a GSA organization different from
the organization specified in your Certificate of Appointment in
response to a domestic or national security emergency (see GSA Order,
National Emergency Management Program (ADM P 2400.18)).

\(2\) An HCA may grant higher contracting authority for use during
emergencies in a basic or intermediate warrant.

\(3\) An HCA may appoint contracting officers with authority limited to
entering into contracts required to respond to domestic or national
security emergencies.

**501.603-4 Termination.**

\(a\) An appointing official may terminate your appointment at any time.
Return the terminated warrant document to the appointing official if
your appointment is terminated. At the HCA\'s discretion, a contracting
officer whose appointment is terminated may retain the original warrant
certificate.

GSAM\
A-20 APD 2800.12B, CHGE 1, 10-1-99

**SUBCHAPTER C\--CONTRACTING METHODS AND CONTRACT TYPES**

**PART 513 SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES**

**513.003 Policy.**

When you use an oral solicitation for an action over the micro-purchase
threshold and the Service Contract Act applies, provide information on
the Act and the applicable wage determination to potential contractors
as part of the oral solicitation.

**513.1 PROCEDURES**

**513.106-1 Soliciting competition.**

\(a\) "Urgency", as used in FAR 13.106-1(a)(1)(iii) and 13.106-1(b),
includes situations which, if not corrected immediately, will result in
unnecessary expenditure of funds, property damage, personal injury, or
interruption of agency functions.

\(b\) To avoid unnecessarily restricting competition for urgent
requirements, consider the following actions:

\(1\) Inviting prospective offerors to visit the site.

\(2\) Informing them orally of the exact requirements.

\(3\) Requesting them to prepare quotations.

**513.106-3 Award and documentation.**

\(a\) [File documentation and retention]{.underline}. You may use GSA
Form 2010, Small Purchase Tabulation Source List/Abstract, to document
written and oral quotations.

\(b\) [Special situations]{.underline}. Document the basis for rejecting
a lower quotation if quotes or offers were evaluated based on price
alone.

**SUBPART 513.3 SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION METHODS**

**513.301 Governmentwide commercial purchase card.**

\(a\) GSA Order, Interim Guidance on Use of the Governmentwide
Commercial Purchase Card Service (OAD 4200.8), establishes procedures
for using the Governmentwide commercial purchase card to make purchases
and payments.

GSAM\
APD 2800.12B, CHGE 1, 10-1-99 C-1

\(b\) When you use the Governmentwide commercial card for a procurement
that exceeds the micropurchase threshold, the card is a payment method.
All procedures and documentation requirements that apply over the
micropurchase threshold apply to the procurment action.

**513.302 Purchase orders.**

**513.302-70 Purchase order and related forms.**

\(a\) See GSA Order, Interim Guidance on Use of the Governmentwide
Commercial Purchase Card Service (OAD 4200.8), for forms required for
purchase card actions.

\(b\) Use GSA Form 300 or 300-1 (pin-feed format), Order for Supplies
and Services, instead of OF 347, Order for Supplies or Services, when
making purchases payable through the National Electronic Accounting and
Reporting (NEAR) System.

\(1\) This form may also be used to make other purchases when a specific
form is not prescribed. It may be used as a delivery or task order
instead of SF 1449, Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items.

\(2\) Prepare and process GSA Form 300 following the instructions at
553.370-300-I. Use GSA Form 300A or 300-A(1) (pin-feed format), order
for Supplies or Services (continuation), if additional space is needed.

\(c\) Use GSA Form 1458, Motor Vehicle Shop Work Order, Repair and
Purchase Order, instead of the OF 347 when making purchases in
connection with the maintenance, servicing or repair of GSA fleet
management vehicles.

\(d\) Use GSA Form 3186, Order for Supplies or Services or GSA Form
3186-B, Order for Supplies or Services (EDI), instead of OF 347, Order
for Supplies or Services, when making simplified acquisitions or placing
orders against established contracts through the FSS-19 system.

\(1\) Use GSA Form 3186 for mail orders placed against established
contracts.

\(2\) Document the file for a delivery, task, or purchase order
transmitted to contractors electronically using Electronic Data
Interchange (EDI) procedures by generating a GSA Form 3186-B.

\(e\) Use GSA Form 8002B, Motor Vehicle Delivery Order, to order fleet
management vehicles. Do not use this form as a purchase order for
simplified acquisitions. Use GSA Form 8002A to notify the consignee of
the status of motor vehicle requisitions.

\(f\) The contracting director is responsible for safeguarding books of
Standard Form 44's and establishing procedures to account for purchases.
Do not authorize use of this form if the seller's accounting system
requires production of an invoice as a matter of routine. Consider other
authorized methods, giving preference to use of the Governmentwide
commercial purchase card.

GSAM\
C-2 APD 2800.12B, CHGE 1, 10-1-99

**SUBPART 519.8 CONTRACTING WITH THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (THE
8(a) PROGRAM)**

**519.803 Selecting acquisitions for the 8(a) program.**

**519.803-70 Contracting officer evaluation of recommendations for 8(a)
set-aside(s).**

\(a\) If you disagree with a recommendation by the Associate
Administrator for Enterprise Development or the SBTA to set aside a
procurement for award under the 8(a) program, discuss the matter with
the official who made the recommendation. If you decide not to award the
contract under the 8(a) program, forward a copy of the documentation
required by FAR 19.202-1(e)(4) to the Office of Enterprise Development
(E) within 10 working days.

\(b\) Once a contracting activity acquires a product or service
successfully on the basis of an 8(a) set-aside, the activity must
acquire all future requirements for that product or service using 8(a)
set-aside procedures. If you determine that acquiring the product or
service as an 8(a) set-aside is no longer in the Government\'s best
interest, use the procedures in FAR 19.506 to withdraw a repetitive
set-aside.

GSAM\
APD 2800.12B, 09-01-99 D-15

**519.803-71 Withdrawing or modifying 8(a) set-asides.**

If you and the SBTA disagree over the withdrawal or modification of a
set-aside, the SBTA must notify the Associate Administrator for
Enterprise Development at the same time the matter is referred to the
SBA PCR.

**519.870 Direct 8(a) contracting.**

**519.870-1 Authority and applicability.**

\(a\) Under a May 6, 1998, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between GSA
and SBA, SBA delegated to GSA its authority under Section 8(a)(1)(a) of
the Small Business Act to enter into prime contracts and Section
8(a)(1)(B) to subcontract the performance of the contracts to eligible
8(a) participants. To implement the MOU, GSA obtained a class deviation
to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) permitting direct 8(a)
contracting. This authority is effective through January 31, 2000.

\(b\) The delegation streamlines the acquisition process for
requirements not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT*)*
by eliminating offering letters and acceptance letters. For acquisitions
over the SAT, this delegation expedites the contracting process by
shortening the period of SBA\'s acceptance of the requirement for the
8(a) program from 15 working days to 5 working days, and eliminating the
requirement for multiple copies of the award document, SBA\'s signature,
and the tripartite agreement.

\(c\) This authority applies to all 8(a) acquisitions conducted by FSS,
FTS, and PBS. It does not apply to FSS's multiple award schedule
program.

**519.870-2 Acquisitions at or under the SAT.**

\(a\) For acquisitions over the micropurchase threshold but not over the
SAT, use the simplified acquisition procedures of FAR Part 13 to issue
purchase orders or contracts to 8(a) participants.

\(b\) You are not required to send offering letters to, nor obtain
acceptance letters from, SBA.

\(c\) Use PRO-*Net* to establish that the selected 8(a) firm is a
current program participant.

\(d\) Establish the price with the selected 8(a) firm and prepare and
issue a purchase order or contract in accordance with FAR Part 13.

\(e\) Forward to the SBA District Office serving the 8(a) firm a copy of
the purchase order or contract within 5 days after the order is issued.

**519.870-3 Acquisitions exceeding the SAT.**

\(a\) In addition to the requirements of FAR 19.804-2, the offering
letter must:

GSAM\
D-16 APD 2800.12B, CHGE 1, 10-1-99

**519.1006-73 Procurement procedures for solicitations issued on or
after February 1, 1999.**

\(a\) [Construction or trash/garbage collection services with an
estimated value of \$25,000 or less and procurement of A-E services with
an estimated value of \$50,000 or less]{.underline}. Follow the
procedures in 519.1006-71 for these procurements.

\(b\) [Procurements above the reserve levels in
519.1006-71(a)]{.underline}. Use the following procedures for
construction or trash/garbage collection services estimated to exceed
\$25,000 and A-E services estimated to exceed \$50,000.

\(1\) [Construction services in SIC Groups 15, 16, and 17]{.underline}.

\(i\) Contracting activities in Region 4, 7, and 9 must set-aside for
small business procurements for construction services in SIC group 15
when there is a reasonable expectation of obtaining competition from two
or more small businesses. If no such expectation exists, you may conduct
the procurement on an unrestricted basis.

\(ii\) All Regions other than 4, 7, and 9 must procure construction
services in SIC group 15 on an unrestricted basis.

\(iii\) All Regions must procure construction services in SIC groups 16
and 17 on an unrestricted basis.

\(2\) [Trash/garbage collection services in PSC S205]{.underline}.

\(i\) Contracting activities in Regions 4 and 6 must be set aside for
small business procurements for trash/garbage collection services when
there is a reasonable expectation of obtaining competition from two or
more small businesses. If no such expectation exists, you may conduct
the procurement on an unrestricted basis.

\(ii\) All other Regions must procure these services on an unrestricted
basis.

\(3\) [Architect-Engineer services (all PSC codes under the
Program)]{.underline}.

\(i\) Contracting activities in Regions 2, 4, 7, 10, and the National
Capitol Region must set aside for small business A-E procurements when
there is a reasonable expectation of obtaining competition from two or
more small businesses. If no such expectation exists, you may conduct
the procurement on an unrestricted basis.

\(ii\) All other Regions must procure A-E services on an unrestricted
basis.

GSAM\
APD 2800.12B, 09-01-99 D-23

**519.11 PRICE EVALUATION ADJUSTMENT FOR SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS
CONCERNS**

**519.1102 Applicability.**

In addition to the exceptions listed in FAR 19.1102(b), the price
evaluation adjustment (PEA) does not apply to:

\(a\) Acquisitions of leasehold interests in real property.

\(b\) Orders placed under a Federal Supply Schedule.

**519.1103 Procedures.**

\(a\) [Decision chart]{.underline}. Appendix 519B provides a decision
chart to help you determine whether a PEA applies and how to apply it to
a specific acquisition. Appendix 519C provides examples of how to apply
both the PEA and the HUBZone price evaluation preference.

\(b\) [Total contract amount]{.underline}. The PEA applies across the
total contract amount, not just that portion proposed to be performed by
the small business concern. For example, if the small business concern
proposes to perform 80% of the work and subcontract 20% to large
business concern, then the 10% adjustment applies to 100%.

\(c\) [Single and multiple awards]{.underline}. Apply the PEA to each
group of items on which you will make award. That is, if you will make
one award, the PEA applies to 100% of the items. If you will make more
than one award, the PEA applies to each group where the predominant SIC
code and region, if applicable, is listed. Add other evaluation factors
(e.g., transportation costs or rent-free use of Government facilities)
to the offers before applying the PEA.

\(d\) [Industries eligible by region]{.underline}. In a SIC major group
authorized by region, the offeror's address governs whether the PEA
applies (i.e., not the place of performance or contract office
location).

\(e\) [Example]{.underline}. The following provides an example of how to
apply the PEA. Assume you have an acquisition affected by the PEA and
the PEA is 10%. You receive two offers; one from an SDB, and one from a
non-SDB (e.g., a small or other than small business concern). The SDB's
price for the acquisition is \$105,000, while the non-SDB\'s price is
\$100,000. You apply the PEA of 10% to the non-SDB's price, making the
evaluated price \$110,000. The SDB wins the award because its price of
\$105,000 is less than the non-SDB's evaluated price of \$110,000. Note
that you must still determine that the price (\$105,000) proposed for
award is considered fair and reasonable under the guidelines in FAR
15.404-1(b). Also note that the PEA does not necessarily apply to all
other offerors (see FAR 19.1103(a)).

GSAM\
D-24 APD 2800.12B, CHGE 1, 10-1-99

**553.3 Illustrations of Forms**

553.300 Scope of subpart.\
553.300-70 Forms not illustrated.\
553.370-300-I Instructions for using the GSA Form 300, Order for
Supplies and\
Services.\
553.370-353-I Instructions for Completing GSA Form 353, Performance
Evaluation & Facilities Report (PEFR).\
553.370-618D GSA Form 618D, Statement to be Submitted When Work is\
Performed Personally.\
553.370-1378 GSA Form 1378, Record of, and Receipt for, Bids and
Responses.\
553.370-1458 GSA Form 1458, Motor Vehicle Shop Work Order, Repair and\
Purchase Order.\
553.370-1535A GSA Form 1535A, Recommendation for Award(s)
(Continuation).\
553.370-1602 GSA Form 1602, Notice Concerning Solicitation.\
553.370-1678 GSA Form 1678, Status Report of Orders and Shipments.\
553.370-1720 GSA Form 1720, Request for Release of Classified
Information to U.S. Industry.\
553.370-1766 GSA Form 1766, Structured Approach Profit/Fee Objective.\
553.370-2689 GSA Form 2689, Procurement Not Set Aside.\
553.370-2728 GSA Form 2728, Procurement Contract Register.\
553.370-3186 GSA Form 3186, Order for Supplies or Services.\
553.370-3186B GSA Form 3186B, Order for Supplies or Services (EDI).\
553.370-3410 GSA Form 3410, Request for Appointment.\
553.370-3471 GSA Form 3471, Abstract of Offers.\
553.370-3521 Blanket Purchasing Agreement\
553.370-3577 GSA Form 3577, Notice to Unsuccessful Offeror of Contract
Award.\
553.370-3521 Blanket Purchase Agreement\
553.370-3611 GSA Form 3611, Cover Page Source Selection Information.\
553.370-8002A GSA Form 8002A, Motor Vehicle Requisition Status.\
553.370-8002B GSA Form 8002B, Motor Vehicle Delivery Order.

GSAM\
APD 2800.12B, CHGE 1, 10-01-99 v

**PART 553 FORMS**

**SUBPART 553.1 GENERAL**

**553.101 Requirements for use of forms.**

Parts 501-552 and 570 prescribe the requirements for use of GSA forms
illustrated or referenced in this part. You may identify the
prescription as follows:

\(a\) [Forms available on-line]{.underline}. The list of forms available
on-line in 553.370-1 identifies the basic prescription for each
referenced form.

\(b\) [Illustrated forms]{.underline}. The prescription for each
illustrated form is identified by a cross-reference shown on the
illustration. When a form is mentioned in more than one place in this
regulation, the section referenced on the illustration is the section
that contains the basic prescription.

**553.102 Current editions.**

You must use the current edition of the forms identified in Subpart
553.3 unless otherwise authorized under this regulation.

**553.170 Establishing and revising GSA Forms.**

\(a\) If two or more GSA Services or Offices use a GSA form, the Office
of Acquisition Policy maintains the form.

\(b\) If only one GSA Service or Office uses a GSA form or if the form
is used for a contract type unique to one Service or Office (e.g.,
construction contracts), that Service or Office is responsible for
maintaining the form.

\(c\) Any proposed new or revised GSA acquisition related form must be
submitted to the Office of Acquisition Policy for review and
concurrence.

**SUBPART 553.3 ILLUSTRATIONS OF FORMS**

**553.300 Scope of subpart.**

This subpart illustrates standard and GSA forms prescribed or referenced
in Parts 501-551 and 570. Instructions on completing a form, if
included, are identified by the suffix \"I\" after the GSAR section
number.

GSAM\
APD 2800.12B, 09-01-99 H-137

**553.300-70 Forms not illustrated.**

This subpart does not illustrate either:

\(a\) Standard forms illustrated in the FAR.

\(b\) Forms available on-line. You can access the forms listed below at
the location indicated.

  ------------------ ------------ --------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
  **Reference**      **Form No.** **Title**                   **On-line Location**

  570.701            Standard     U.S. Government Lease for   http://www.gsa.gov/pbs/pe/stancla/stancla.htm
                     Form 2       Real Property               

  552.238-74         GSA Form 72A Contractor\'s Report of     http://vsc.gsa.gov
                                  Sales                       

  570.702(b)         GSA Form 276 Supplemental Lease          http://www.gsa.gov/forms
                                  Agreement                   

  513.302-70(b)      GSA Form 300 Order for Supplies and      http://www.gsa.gov/forms
                                  Services                    

  513.302-70(b)(2)   GSA Form     Order for Supplies and      http://www.gsa.gov/forms
                     300A         Services (Continuation)     

  509.106-2          GSA Form 353 Performance Evaluation &    http://www.gsa.gov/forms
                                  Facilities Report           

  509.105-1(a)       GSA Form 527 Contractor\'s               http://www.gsa.gov/forms
                                  Qualifications and          
                                  Financial Information       

  532.905-71(a)      GSA Form     Release of Claims           http://www.gsa.gov/forms
                     1142                                     

  570.702(c)         GSA Form     Proposal to Lease Space     http://www.gsa.gov/forms
                     1364                                     

  514.407-72         GSA Form     Recommendation for Award(s) http://www.gsa.gov/forms
                     1535                                     

  513.106(c)(2)      GSA Form     Small Purchase Tabulation   http://www.gsa.gov/forms
                     2010         Source List/Abstract        

  532.905-70         GSA Form     Certification of Progress   http://www.gsa.gov/forms
                     2419         Payments Under Fixed-Price  
                                  Construction Contracts      

  501.603-3(b)(1)    GSA Form     Personal Qualifications     http://www.gsa.gov/forms
                     3409         Statement for Appointment   
                                  as Contracting Officer      

  504.803(b)         GSA Form     Contract/Modification File  http://www.gsa.gov/forms
                     3420         Checklist File Format       
                                  (Award)                     

  503.104-5          GSA Form     Record of Authorization of  http://www.gsa.gov/forms
                     3617         Access to Proprietary or    
                                  Source Selection            
                                  Information                 

  570.702(a)         GSA Form     U.S. Government Lease for   http://www.gsa.gov/pbs/pe/stancla/stancla.htm
                     3626         Real Property (Short Form)  
  ------------------ ------------ --------------------------- -----------------------------------------------

(Next page is H-141) GSAM\
H-138 APD 2800.12B, CHGE 1, 10-1-99

**553.370-3577 Notice to Unsuccessful Offeror of Contract Award.**

![](media/image1.png){width="5.748611111111111in"
height="8.120833333333334in"}9-01-99 H-181

**553.370-3611 Cover Page Source Selection Information.**

![](media/image2.png)(Next page is H-185) GSAM\
H-182 APD 2800.12B, CHGE 1, 10-1-99