Overview
This section establishes the foundational terminology used within FAR Subpart 8.4, defining the roles, contract vehicles, and organizational tools essential for conducting procurement through the GSA and VA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) programs.
Key Rules
- Ordering Activity: Defines the specific entities authorized to place orders or create Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) against MAS contracts, referencing a formal GSA eligibility list.
- Multiple Award Schedule (MAS): Identifies these as contracts for similar supplies or services awarded to multiple suppliers at varying prices, primarily governed by 41 U.S.C. 152(3) and 40 U.S.C. 501.
- Requiring Agency: Distinguishes the entity that has the actual need for supplies or services from the entity executing the order.
- Special Item Number (SIN): Establishes a categorization system that groups generically similar products or services to facilitate functional searching and competition.
- Schedules e-Library: Designates the official online portal for accessing VA and GSA contract award information.
Practical Implications
- Contractors must ensure that a purchasing entity qualifies as an "ordering activity" to maintain compliance with their MAS contract terms.
- The SIN system allows both agencies and contractors to streamline market research by focusing on specific categories of functional requirements rather than searching through thousands of individual line items.