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 Jason Taylor of the Contract and Financial Assistance Policy Division at (202) 287-1560 or at jason.taylor@hq.doe.gov.
Questions concerning purchase cards should be directed to Denise Clarke of the Strategic Programs Division at (202) 287-1748 or at DeniseT.Clarke@hq.doe.gov.
Questions concerning warrants should be directed to Lisa Simmons of the Professional Development Division at (202) 287-1420 or at lisa.simmons@hq.doe.gov.
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