This guide explains DFARS Part 213: Simplified Acquisition Procedures. First, read the relevant coverage with the FAR, applicable supplements and deviations, and the actual solicitation or contract.

Simplified buying does not mean unrestricted buying. Next, check the purchase method, evaluation conditions, and acceptance requirements before your team treats a small defense order as routine commercial paperwork.

Watch the DFARS Part 213 lesson

DFARS Part 213: Identify the actual purchase method

Part 213 addresses purchase cards, purchase orders, blanket purchase agreements, and other simplified methods. The purchase-card provisions distinguish a method of purchase from a method of payment and include specific conditions and exceptions. A card payment does not, by itself, establish the buyer’s authority, the permitted scope, or the contractual terms governing performance.

Keep evaluation and risk requirements visible

Sections 213.106-1 and 213.106-2 connect simplified acquisitions with relevant supply-chain-risk coverage, limits on lowest-price technically acceptable procedures, and Supplier Performance Risk System considerations. Then, check the applicable solicitation and scope. However, do not assume that a shorter quotation request eliminates every defense-specific evaluation or supplier-risk requirement.

Check acceptance and modifications

Section 213.302-3 addresses written acceptance for classified purchase orders and the conversion of a unilateral purchase order to a bilateral agreement by supplemental agreement. Section 213.302-5 contains purchase-order clause instructions. Also, separate an informal request, an issued order, the contractor’s acceptance, and a later modification before deciding what your business has agreed to perform.

A hypothetical example

For example, consider a fictional equipment distributor receiving a short defense quotation request. The customer expects to pay by purchase card. Sales assumes that accepting the payment method also means accepting the requested delivery change and that its usual commercial invoice will contain everything the customer needs.

Contracts compares the actual request, order, and payment instructions. Operations verifies the delivery promise, while finance checks the invoice and line-item information. Next, the team identifies which terms have been agreed, which changes remain proposals, and whether any special evaluation or acceptance condition affects the transaction.

The distributor responds with a clear scope and keeps the order record connected to delivery and payment. However, this example does not establish purchase-card authority, decide contract formation, or approve a modification. It demonstrates why streamlined paperwork still needs a disciplined review of the actual transaction.

Avoid the shortcut

However, do not let the payment mechanism replace the contract review. In addition, keep the ordered items, quantities, delivery requirements, incorporated terms, and authorized changes connected. If the customer asks for something different, identify the decision and documentation needed instead of silently treating a payment conversation as approval of new work.

Try this exercise

Next, review a fictional purchase-card transaction and identify the document that defines the work. Then, separate the purchase method from payment, verify the delivery assumptions, and flag any requested change. Also, record which points are established by the order and which need clarification through the authorized buyer.

This worksheet is a GovSuccess preparation practice, not a prescribed Government form or a determination of compliance.

1. Requirement and quoted scope
2. Purchase and payment methods
3. Authorized buyer and issued document
4. Evaluation and supplier-risk conditions
5. Acceptance status and applicable clauses
6. Delivery and invoice instructions
7. Proposed changes and unresolved questions
8. Agreed outcome and supporting record

Official source and applicability

DFARS Part 213 — official text. The source page displays DFARS Change 5/7/2026, effective May 7, 2026. In addition, check later changes and the requirements applicable to your acquisition. Next, route material interpretation questions for qualified review.

Build your readiness baseline

Explore GovAssessment for a structured business-readiness baseline based on your answers. However, it does not certify compliance, approve a contract action, or guarantee an award.

General education, not legal advice. Browse the DFARS series.