Department of the Interior Acquisition Policy Release (DIAPR) 2000-02, Amendment 3

SUBJECT: Streamlined Acquisition of Services from Small Business

1. Purpose:

This amendment is issued to notify contracting personnel regarding expiration of the pilot program that allows for a class waiver from the synopsis requirements of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 5.2

2. Effective Date:

Effective upon issuance.

3. Expiration Date:

Not applicable.

4. Background and Explanation:

In July 1998 the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) initiated a pilot program that allowed for a class waiver of the synopsis requirement in FAR Subpart 5.2 when agencies acquire services valued between $25,000 and $100,000 from small businesses. The goal of the program was to increase opportunities for small businesses by providing agencies with a more efficient process for acquisitions in this dollar range. (Services exempt from set-asides under the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program were excluded from this waiver.)

The pilot program expired on March 31, 2005 and the SBA and OFPP have decided have decided not to further extend the program (see attached copy of e-mail message from the Office of Management and Budget).

5. Action Required:

Please distribute this policy release amendment to all bureau/office contracting officers, analysts, and Business Utilization and Development Specialists.

Questions may be directed to Frank Gisondi on (202) 208-4907 or Patricia Corrigan on (202) 208-1906.

/signed/ Debra E. Sonderman, Director Office of Acquisition and Property Management