PF 2018-17 FAR Class Deviation – Increasing the micro-purchase threshold and the simplified acquisition threshold

DATE:           March 16, 2018

TO:                Procurement Directors/Contracting Officers

FROM:          Chief
                      Contract and Financial Assistance Policy Division
                      Office of Policy
                      Office of Acquisition Management

SUBJECT:     FAR Class Deviation – Increasing the micro-purchase threshold
                      and the simplified acquisition threshold

SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council (CAAC) issued CAAC Letter 2018-02 on February 16, 2018 authorizing agencies to issue class deviations to implement sections 805 and 806 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-91), as well as section 217(b) of the NDAA for 2017 (Pub. L. 114-328).

Existing purchase card limits are not raised through this deviation. Consistent with the Acquisition Certifications Program Handbook, the Heads of Contracting Activity’s (HCA) decision to increase card holder or Contracting Officer warrant thresholds for an individual must take into consideration the total number of active warrants/card holders, their dollar amounts, and anticipated workload. HCA’s decision to increase thresholds for individuals should include a documented determination that there is a valid need for the card holder to possess such authority and the holder has the necessary skills, knowledge and business acumen to purchase under the new threshold.

The Acquisition Certifications Program Handbook available on Acquisition Answers provides information on appropriate training, experience and business acumen for warrants.

Questions concerning this policy flash should be directed to: doe_oapmpolicy@hq.doe.gov