Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Guide: Streamlined Federal Procurement
Complete guide to Blanket Purchase Agreements in government contracting. Learn how BPAs work, how to get on a BPA, compete for BPA calls, and maximize your success with these simplified procurement vehicles.
Quick Answer
A Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is a simplified method of filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services. BPAs establish prequalified vendor pools that agencies can quickly order from without full competition for each purchase. They're commonly established against GSA Schedules or through open market procedures.
What is a BPA?
A Blanket Purchase Agreement is not a contract itself, but rather a charge account established with qualified suppliers to fill repetitive needs for supplies or services. BPAs simplify the buying process by pre-negotiating terms and prices, allowing agencies to place orders quickly without conducting a new competition for each purchase.
BPAs are governed by FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) and are particularly useful for agencies with recurring needs for the same types of products or services from the same vendors.
How BPAs Work
- Agency identifies recurring need for supplies or services
- Agency competes and establishes BPAs with multiple qualified vendors
- Terms, conditions, and pricing are pre-negotiated
- Agency issues BPA calls (orders) as needs arise
- Vendors deliver and invoice; payment made promptly
Types of BPAs
BPAs can be established through various mechanisms, each with different advantages.
GSA Schedule BPAs
Most Common Type
Established against GSA Federal Supply Schedule contracts. Leverages pre-competed GSA Schedule pricing and terms while adding agency-specific requirements.
Open Market BPAs
FAR Part 13 Procedures
Established through simplified acquisition procedures with any qualified vendor. Not limited to GSA Schedule holders but requires more upfront competition.
Single-Award BPAs
Sole Vendor Selection
Only one vendor holds the BPA. Requires additional justification but simplifies ordering since no competition is needed for calls.
Benefits of BPAs
Benefits for Contractors
- • Steady stream of orders without constant rebidding
- • Reduced B&P costs for each order
- • Established relationship with agency
- • Predictable work pipeline
- • Simplified invoicing and payment
- • Competitive advantage over non-BPA holders
- • Opportunity to demonstrate past performance
Benefits for Government
- • Faster procurement cycle
- • Reduced administrative burden
- • Pre-qualified vendor pool
- • Volume discounts possible
- • Consistent quality from known vendors
- • Easier small business goal achievement
- • Simplified ordering process
Getting on a BPA
The process for getting on a BPA depends on whether it's a GSA Schedule BPA or open market BPA.
GSA Schedule BPA Process
Obtain GSA Schedule
First, you must have a GSA Schedule contract with relevant Special Item Numbers (SINs)
Monitor Opportunities
Watch for BPA establishment opportunities on SAM.gov and eBuy
Submit Quote
Respond to BPA solicitation with your GSA pricing and qualifications
BPA Awarded
If selected, you become a BPA holder and can compete for calls
Open Market BPA Process
Agency Posts RFQ
Agency publishes BPA solicitation on SAM.gov (over micro-purchase threshold)
Submit Response
Provide pricing, capabilities, past performance, and compliance information
Evaluation & Award
Agency evaluates and awards BPAs to multiple qualified vendors
Competing for BPA Calls
Once on a BPA, you'll compete against other BPA holders for individual orders (calls).
BPA Call Competition Rules
Quick Turnaround
BPA calls often have short response windows (24-72 hours). Be prepared to respond quickly.
Price Matters
For commodity items, price is often the deciding factor. Ensure competitive pricing on your BPA.
Managing Your BPA
Track All Orders
Maintain records of all BPA calls, deliveries, and invoices. This supports billing and any disputes.
Monitor Ceiling
BPAs may have dollar ceilings. Track cumulative orders against the ceiling to avoid exceeding limits.
Review Period
BPAs must be reviewed annually. Prepare for reviews by documenting performance and pricing updates.
Price Adjustments
Request price adjustments when costs increase. For GSA BPAs, this may require Schedule modification first.
BPA Expiration
BPAs typically have 5-year maximum duration (including option periods). Plan for recompetition before expiration. If your underlying GSA Schedule expires, the BPA also expires.
Success Strategies
Competitive Pricing
Price aggressively when establishing the BPA. You can always adjust upward later, but losing the BPA means no orders at all.
Responsive Performance
Deliver on time, every time. Agencies track which BPA holders are reliable and prefer them for future calls.
Relationship Building
Build relationships with the ordering officials. Understanding their needs helps you respond better to calls.
Response Templates
Prepare response templates for common BPA calls. Speed matters when turnaround times are short.
Monitor eBuy
For GSA Schedule BPAs, monitor eBuy constantly. Set up notifications for your SINs and BPA numbers.
Seek Expansion
Once performing well on a BPA, ask about adding scope or services. Agencies prefer expanding with proven vendors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a BPA a contract?
No, a BPA itself is not a contract. It's a method of establishing pricing and terms for future orders. Each BPA call (order) becomes a binding contract when placed and accepted.
Are BPAs guaranteed work?
No, BPAs typically have no guaranteed minimum. The government is only obligated when it places orders. You may receive zero orders under a BPA.
How many BPAs can I hold?
There's no limit on how many BPAs a contractor can hold. Many contractors hold dozens of BPAs with different agencies and for different services.
Can small businesses compete for BPAs?
Yes, and many BPAs are set aside for small businesses. Agencies often establish separate BPAs for small business pools to meet their goals.
What happens if I lose my GSA Schedule?
If your GSA Schedule expires or is cancelled, any BPAs established against that Schedule will also terminate. Maintain your Schedule to keep your BPAs active.
Find BPA Opportunities with BidFinds
BPA establishments and calls are posted across multiple platforms. BidFinds aggregates opportunities from SAM.gov, eBuy, and agency portals so you never miss a chance.
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