Examples of existing tools cited include simplified open market competitions for commercial items, use of pre-qualified firms under multiple award schedule contracts, HUBZone contracts, oral solicitations, letter contracts, limited source selections and innovative contracting.  New tools passed under the Homeland Security Act include application of (1) simplified acquisition procedures to any product or service in any amount (2) micro-purchase flexibilities up to $7,500 (3) simplified acquisition thresholds raised up to $200,000 for domestic awarded contracts and $300,000 outside the US ($250,000 and $500,000, respectively for DOD procurements) (4) making sole source awards to 8(a) and HUBZone small businesses in any amount when agencies elect to exempt full and open competition and (5) treating non-commercial items as commercial items for purposes of waiving accounting, compliance and other requirements.  A handy table is provided in the guidance comparing current and new thresholds under emergency procurement circumstances.

The guidance also encourages use of firm fixed price contracts and firm fixed price contract with economic price adjustments as will as synopsized actions through FedBizOpps.gov to the maximum extent possible.  The guidelines are available at www.acqnet.gov

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