What is a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) under a Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract? Are there any dollar limitations when establishing BPAs?

A detailed explanation is under the BPA FAQ section below.  An MAS BPA is a simplified method of filling recurring needs for services and products, while leveraging a customer’s buying power by taking advantage of quantity discounts, saving administrative time, and reducing paperwork. A BPA is an “account” established by a customer with a Schedule contractor. MAS BPAs are authorized by FAR 13.303-2(c)(3). With an MAS BPA customers can order as little as they want, as much as they want, and as often as they want. Customers are not restricted by any dollar limitations when placing orders under an MAS BPA. A BPA can be set up for field offices across the nation to use, thus allowing them to participate in a customer’s BPA and place orders directly with Schedule contractors. In doing so, the entire agency reaps the benefits of additional discounts negotiated into the BPA. A BPA cannot exceed the contractor’s Schedule contract period. Customers should always perform an annual review of each BPA to determine whether the BPA is still a “best value.” Contractor Team Arrangements, which are permitted with MAS contractors in accordance with FAR 9.6, may be incorporated into a BPA.