GovCon Acronym Decoder
Government contracting runs on shorthand. Search any acronym and get a plain-English definition, when you will run into it, whether you need one, and where it comes from.
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1 of 172 terms matching "BPA"
Blanket Purchase Agreement
A simplified, pre-negotiated arrangement for repeat purchases. It sets terms and pricing so the agency can place orders quickly without a new competition each time.
When you see it
On recurring supplies and services, often built on top of a GSA Schedule.
Do you need it
A BPA is not a contract award by itself; orders under it are. But holding one makes you very easy to buy from.
Where it comes from
FAR 8.405-3 (Schedule BPAs) or FAR 13.303 (simplified BPAs).
Related terms
Blanket Purchase Agreement
A simplified, pre-negotiated arrangement for repeat purchases. It sets terms and pricing so the agency can place orders quickly without a new competition each time.
When you see it
On recurring supplies and services, often built on top of a GSA Schedule.
Do you need it
A BPA is not a contract award by itself; orders under it are. But holding one makes you very easy to buy from.
Where it comes from
FAR 8.405-3 (Schedule BPAs) or FAR 13.303 (simplified BPAs).
Related terms
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