What is the difference between "traditional" Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) and BPAs established under the GSA Schedules Program in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.405-3?
Although the objective of both "traditional" BPAs and GSA Schedules BPAs (also known as Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) BPAs) is to fill anticipated repetitive needs for supplies and services, "traditional" BPAs are subject to the requirements of FAR Part 13 whereas, with the exception of FAR 13.303-2(c), which states that "BPAs may be established with GSA Federal Supply Schedule contractors...," FAR Part 13 does not apply to GSA Schedule BPAs. FAR 8.405-3 states that ordering activities may establish BPAs under any Schedule contract to fill recurring needs.
Although the objective of both "traditional" BPAs and GSA Schedules BPAs (also known as Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) BPAs) is to fill anticipated repetitive needs for supplies and services, "traditional" BPAs are subject to the requirements of FAR Part 13 whereas, with the exception of FAR 13.303-2(c), which states that "BPAs may be established with GSA Federal Supply Schedule contractors...," FAR Part 13 does not apply to GSA Schedule BPAs. FAR 8.405-3 states that ordering activities may establish BPAs under any Schedule contract to fill recurring needs.
