CON 237 Simplified Acquisition Procedures Exam Complete
Solution
1. Core Thresholds & Legislative Rules
• Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT): Standard threshold
is $250,000 (FAR 2.101), with higher limits authorized for
specific contingency operations or distinct commercial
item acquisitions.
• Micro-Purchase Threshold (MPT): Standard threshold is
$10,000 for supplies and services, with exceptions for
contingency operations or defense research.
• Small Business Reserve: Acquisitions exceeding $5,000 up
to $250,000 are automatically reserved exclusively for
small business concerns unless the contracting officer
determines that two competitive offers from small
businesses cannot be obtained.
2. Methods of Purchase & Solicitation Hierarchy
• Micro-Purchases: The Governmentwide Commercial
Purchase Card (GPC) is the preferred purchasing vehicle.
• Commercial Items & Routine Supplies/Services: Simplified
acquisition procedures (SAP) under FAR Part 13 minimize
administrative overhead and compliance burdens.
• Public Announcement: Solicitations estimated to exceed
$25,000 up to the SAT require synopsizing via the
, Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE / SAM.gov) unless an
statutory exception applies.
3. Required Sources of Supplies and Services (FAR Part 8
Priority Order)
When fulfilling government requirements, contracting officers
must clear required sources in this strict order of priority:
1. Inventories of the requiring agency
2. Excess from other agencies
3. Federal Prison Industries (FPI) / UNICOR
4. Supplies on the Procurement List maintained by
AbilityOne (Committee for Purchase From People Who Are
Blind or Severely Disabled)
5. Wholesale supply sources (e.g., GSA Federal Supply
Schedules)
4. Key Practice Exam Questions and Verified Solutions
General Policies and Thresholds
• Q: What is the preferred purchase method for low-value
items like office supplies or computer accessories under
the micro-purchase threshold?
o Answer: The Governmentwide commercial purchase
card (GPC).
Solution
1. Core Thresholds & Legislative Rules
• Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT): Standard threshold
is $250,000 (FAR 2.101), with higher limits authorized for
specific contingency operations or distinct commercial
item acquisitions.
• Micro-Purchase Threshold (MPT): Standard threshold is
$10,000 for supplies and services, with exceptions for
contingency operations or defense research.
• Small Business Reserve: Acquisitions exceeding $5,000 up
to $250,000 are automatically reserved exclusively for
small business concerns unless the contracting officer
determines that two competitive offers from small
businesses cannot be obtained.
2. Methods of Purchase & Solicitation Hierarchy
• Micro-Purchases: The Governmentwide Commercial
Purchase Card (GPC) is the preferred purchasing vehicle.
• Commercial Items & Routine Supplies/Services: Simplified
acquisition procedures (SAP) under FAR Part 13 minimize
administrative overhead and compliance burdens.
• Public Announcement: Solicitations estimated to exceed
$25,000 up to the SAT require synopsizing via the
, Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE / SAM.gov) unless an
statutory exception applies.
3. Required Sources of Supplies and Services (FAR Part 8
Priority Order)
When fulfilling government requirements, contracting officers
must clear required sources in this strict order of priority:
1. Inventories of the requiring agency
2. Excess from other agencies
3. Federal Prison Industries (FPI) / UNICOR
4. Supplies on the Procurement List maintained by
AbilityOne (Committee for Purchase From People Who Are
Blind or Severely Disabled)
5. Wholesale supply sources (e.g., GSA Federal Supply
Schedules)
4. Key Practice Exam Questions and Verified Solutions
General Policies and Thresholds
• Q: What is the preferred purchase method for low-value
items like office supplies or computer accessories under
the micro-purchase threshold?
o Answer: The Governmentwide commercial purchase
card (GPC).
