FAR 13.307—Forms.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 13.307 explains which standard government forms, optional agency forms, and automated formats may be used in simplified acquisition and related purchasing situations. It covers forms for commercial products and commercial services, other than commercial products and services, forms that can be used for both types of buys, and special-purpose forms for pocket purchases and cash-based transactions. The section specifically addresses the SF 1449, SF 18, OF 347, OF 336, OF 348, SF 30, SF 44, and SF 1165, along with agency forms or automated formats that may substitute for or supplement them. In practice, this section helps contracting personnel choose the right form for the buying method, the type of requirement, and the amount of space needed for terms, clauses, or line items. It also reinforces that agencies may use their own forms or automated systems, but those formats should conform to the prescribed standard forms to the maximum extent practicable. For contractors, the section matters because the form used can affect how quotations are submitted, how orders are issued, how modifications are made, and how invoices or receipts are documented.
Key Rules
SF 1449 for commercial buys
For commercial products and commercial services, the SF 1449 is the prescribed form, with its use governed by FAR 12.204. This ties commercial simplified acquisition documentation to the commercial item procedures in Part 12.
Alternative forms for noncommercial buys
For other than commercial products and services, agencies may use the SF 1449, SF 18, or an agency form/automated format when quotations are not solicited electronically or orally. Agency RFQ forms should match the SF 18 or SF 1449 as closely as practicable.
Multipurpose forms for orders and invoices
The SF 1449 and OF 347 may be used as multipurpose forms for negotiated purchases, delivery or task orders, inspection and receiving reports, and invoices. Agencies may also use their own forms or automated formats for these functions.
Continuation sheets when space is needed
The OF 336 or an agency form/automated format may be used when additional space is needed. The OF 348 or an agency form/automated format may be used for negotiated purchases when more space is needed, and agencies may print generally suitable clauses on the OF 348.
Modifying purchase orders
The SF 30 or a purchase order form may be used to modify a purchase order unless agency regulations prescribe an agency form or automated format. This gives agencies flexibility while preserving a standard modification mechanism.
Special forms for pocket and cash purchases
The SF 44 may be used as a pocket-size purchase order-invoice-voucher as outlined in FAR 13.306. The SF 1165 or an agency purchase order form may be used for purchases made with imprest funds or third-party drafts.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Select the appropriate form or automated format based on whether the purchase is commercial or noncommercial, whether quotations are solicited electronically or orally, and whether additional space or a modification is needed. Ensure agency forms conform to the applicable standard form to the maximum extent practicable and use the correct form for special purchasing methods such as SF 44 or imprest fund purchases.
Agency
Provide approved forms or automated formats that support simplified acquisition and purchasing actions, and prescribe agency-specific formats where permitted. When designing agency RFQ forms or automated systems, align them with the SF 18 or SF 1449 as closely as practicable and ensure internal regulations identify when agency-specific forms are required.
Contractor
Use the solicitation or order form provided by the government to prepare quotations, accept orders, complete invoices or receipts when required, and follow the form-specific instructions. Recognize that the form used may determine how the offer, order, modification, or payment documentation must be completed.
Practical Implications
Choosing the wrong form can create processing delays, especially when an agency uses a specific automated format or requires a standard form for a particular buying method.
The section gives agencies flexibility, but that flexibility is not unlimited; agency forms should track the standard forms closely, so deviations can create compliance or audit issues.
Continuation sheets and schedule-continuation forms are important when line items, clauses, or attachments do not fit on the main form, and failing to use them can lead to incomplete documentation.
SF 44 and SF 1165 are special-purpose tools, not general substitutes for all purchases; using them outside their intended contexts can violate internal controls or payment procedures.
Contractors should pay close attention to the form type because it affects how quotations are submitted, how acceptance is documented, and how invoices or receipts are processed.
Official Regulatory Text
(a) Commercial products and commercial services. For use of the SF 1449 , Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Products and Commercial Services, see 12.204 . (b) Other than commercial products and commercial services. (1) Except when quotations are solicited electronically or orally, the SF 1449 ; SF 18 , Request for Quotations; or an agency form/automated format may be used. Each agency request for quotations form/automated format should conform with the SF 18 or SF 1449 to the maximum extent practicable. (2) Both SF 1449 and OF 347 , Order for Supplies or Services, are multipurpose forms used for negotiated purchases of supplies or services, delivery or task orders, inspection and receiving reports, and invoices. An agency form/automated format also may be used. (c) Forms used for both commercial and other than commercial products and commercial services. (1) OF 336 , Continuation Sheet, or an agency form/automated format may be used when additional space is needed. (2) OF 348 , Order for Supplies or Services Schedule-Continuation, or an agency form/automated format may be used for negotiated purchases when additional space is needed. Agencies may print on these forms the clauses considered to be generally suitable for purchases. (3) SF 30 , Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract, or a purchase order form may be used to modify a purchase order, unless an agency form/automated format is prescribed in agency regulations. (d) SF 44 , Purchase Order-Invoice-Voucher, is a multipurpose pocket-size purchase order form that may be used as outlined in 13.306 . (e) SF 1165 , Receipt for Cash-Subvoucher, or an agency purchase order form may be used for purchases using imprest funds or third party drafts.