Streamlined Ordering Procedures, as defined under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subparts 8.404 and 8.405, provide simplified methods for federal agencies to order products and services through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. These procedures are a cornerstone advantage of the MAS program, enabling federal buyers to save time, reduce administrative burden, and bypass full solicitation processes when making purchases from pre-approved GSA Schedule contractors.
Unlike traditional open-market procurements that require lengthy source selection procedures, GSA Schedules leverage pre-negotiated pricing, terms, and vendor vetting to allow for faster, more efficient procurement—while still maintaining competition, compliance, and transparency.
Purpose of Streamlined Ordering Procedures
The core objectives of FAR 8.404/8.405 are to:
- Simplify the federal purchasing process for commonly used commercial items and services
- Reduce procurement lead times and administrative complexity
- Leverage GSA’s pre-competed contract vehicles to expedite delivery
- Provide contracting officers with flexibility while ensuring fair opportunity among qualified vendors
- Enable compliance with acquisition regulations without issuing full Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
These procedures apply only to orders placed against existing GSA Schedule contracts and are widely used across civilian and defense agencies.
Applicable FAR Subparts
FAR 8.404 – Use of Federal Supply Schedules
Applies primarily to products and services offered under MAS contracts, outlining the general principles for schedule use, pricing, and fair opportunity.
FAR 8.405 – Ordering Procedures for Federal Supply Schedules
Details the specific procedures for ordering supplies and services under GSA Schedules, including:
- FAR 8.405-1: Ordering supplies and services not requiring a Statement of Work (SOW)
- FAR 8.405-2: Ordering services requiring an SOW
- FAR 8.405-3: Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) under MAS
These subparts provide Contracting Officers (COs) with tiered guidance based on the complexity and value of the order.
Key Benefits of Streamlined Ordering Under GSA Schedules
Using FAR 8.404/8.405, agencies can take advantage of:
- No need to synopsize on SAM.gov (i.e., no public posting of the solicitation)
- Pre-competed pricing and terms, eliminating the need for further negotiation on standard terms
- Reduced documentation requirements, especially for orders below the simplified acquisition threshold
- Sole-source ordering options under certain conditions (e.g., urgency, only one vendor capable)
- Faster acquisition cycles, sometimes in as little as 1–2 weeks
- Flexibility in evaluating factors beyond price, such as technical merit or past performance
These benefits make the GSA MAS program particularly attractive for high-volume or fast-turnaround acquisitions.
Ordering Thresholds and Competition Requirements
| Order Value | Competition Requirement | Notes |
| ≤ $10,000 (micro-purchase) | May place order with any MAS contractor | Follow agency micro-purchase policies |
| $10,000–$250,000 (SAT) | Must survey at least 3 contractors | Can use eBuy or other methods to ensure fair opportunity |
| > $250,000 | Must seek quotes from all MAS contractors capable of meeting the requirement | Must document rationale and award decision |
For orders requiring a Statement of Work (SOW) (FAR 8.405-2), agencies must also conduct a Best Value evaluation and include technical factors in their decision-making process.
Ordering Tools That Support Streamlined Procedures
To implement these procedures, federal buyers commonly use GSA-managed digital platforms such as:
- eBuy: For issuing RFQs to MAS contractors and collecting quotes electronically
- GSA Advantage!: For browsing products, comparing pricing, and making micro-purchases
- FAS Catalog Platform (FCP): Ensures contractor catalog accuracy for ordering
- eLibrary: For researching contractor award information and awarded SINs
These tools help buyers meet the competition requirements of FAR 8.404/8.405 with ease.
Role of Contractors in the Streamlined Ordering Environment
To be competitive under streamlined ordering procedures, MAS contractors should:
- Maintain accurate and searchable catalogs on GSA Advantage!
- Respond promptly and professionally to eBuy RFQs
- Highlight differentiators (e.g., past performance, technical merit, speed of delivery)
- Ensure their contract is current, including pricing, terms, and awarded SINs
- Build relationships with Contracting Officers who frequently use GSA Schedules
Being proactive and responsive can significantly increase the chances of winning task orders and BPAs under FAR 8.405.
Misconceptions and Clarifications
- Myth: MAS contracts are only for large purchases
Reality: MAS is commonly used for small and micro-purchases because of its speed and compliance ease. - Myth: Agencies must still go through a full RFP process
Reality: FAR 8.404/8.405 waives many FAR Part 15 requirements, offering a legally compliant shortcut. - Myth: Set-asides aren’t allowed on MAS
Reality: Agencies can conduct small business set-asides under MAS contracts using these procedures.
Conclusion
Streamlined Ordering Procedures under FAR 8.404/8.405 are a defining feature of the GSA Multiple Award Schedule program, allowing federal agencies to procure goods and services with unmatched speed, flexibility, and efficiency. For buyers, these procedures reduce acquisition timelines and administrative workload. For contractors, they provide a consistent, fair opportunity to win government business—without navigating the complexities of full-and-open competition. Mastery of these procedures is essential for success in the GSA environment.
