FAR 18.201—Contingency operation.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 18.201 explains how certain acquisition thresholds and streamlined buying authorities can be expanded when supplies or services are being acquired to support a contingency operation. It covers five specific topics: the definition of contingency operation by reference to FAR 2.101, the increased micro-purchase threshold, the increased simplified acquisition threshold, the ability to use SF 44 at higher dollar limits, and the ability to raise the dollar limits for simplified procedures for certain commercial products and commercial services. The purpose of the section is to give agencies more buying flexibility in urgent, operational environments where speed and mission support matter more than normal peacetime procurement limits. In practice, this means contracting officers and other authorized buyers may be able to use faster, less formal methods and higher thresholds, but only when the agency head has made the required determination that the acquisition supports a contingency operation. Contractors should understand that these authorities can change how quickly purchases are made and what documentation or competition procedures apply, but they do not eliminate all procurement rules or oversight.
Key Rules
Contingency operation controls
The term contingency operation is not defined in this section itself; it is defined in FAR 2.101. Any use of the special threshold flexibilities in FAR 18.201 depends on that definition and on the acquisition being for support of a contingency operation.
Micro-purchase threshold may increase
When the head of the agency determines the supplies or services are to be used to support a contingency operation, the normal micro-purchase threshold may be increased. This allows more purchases to be made using micro-purchase procedures under the conditions tied to FAR 2.101 and FAR 13.201(g).
Simplified acquisition threshold may increase
The simplified acquisition threshold may also be increased for supplies or services supporting a contingency operation, again only when the head of the agency makes the required determination. This expands the range of acquisitions that can use simplified acquisition procedures.
SF 44 may be used at higher limits
The SF 44, Purchase Order-Invoice-Voucher, is normally limited to purchases at or below the micro-purchase threshold. For contingency operations, agencies may establish higher dollar limits for SF 44 use, subject to the rules in FAR 13.306.
Commercial item simplified procedures may expand
The dollar limits authorized for simplified procedures for certain commercial products and commercial services may be increased when the acquisition supports a contingency operation. The governing reference is FAR 13.500(c).
Responsibilities
Head of the Agency
Make the formal determination that the supplies or services are to be used to support a contingency operation before the increased thresholds or expanded authorities may be used.
Contracting Officer
Apply the correct threshold and procedure based on the contingency-operation determination, use the appropriate acquisition method, and ensure the purchase stays within the authorized limits and cited procedures.
Agency Acquisition Personnel / Authorized Buyers
Use the higher thresholds only when authorized, follow the applicable contingency-operation procedures, and ensure the selected buying method matches the dollar value and acquisition type.
Contractor / Vendor
Understand that contingency-operation purchases may be made under accelerated or simplified procedures, and comply with the resulting order terms, delivery requirements, and invoicing method used by the agency.
Practical Implications
This section mainly matters in urgent operational environments because it can speed up buying and reduce paperwork for mission support purchases.
A common pitfall is assuming the higher thresholds apply automatically; they do not unless the head of the agency has made the required contingency-operation determination.
Another risk is using the wrong purchase method, such as relying on SF 44 or simplified procedures beyond the authorized contingency limits without confirming the agency’s internal delegation and dollar caps.
Contracting staff should verify the applicable references in FAR 2.101, 13.201(g), 13.306, and 13.500(c) before using the expanded authority.
Contractors should expect faster awards and potentially less formal ordering processes, but they should still confirm the order is valid and within the agency’s authorized contingency procedures before performing.
Official Regulatory Text
(a) Contingency operation is defined in 2.101 . (b) Micro-purchase threshold. The threshold increases when the head of the agency determines the supplies or services are to be used to support a contingency operation. (See 2.101 and 13.201 (g).) (c) Simplified acquisition threshold. The threshold increases when the head of the agency determines the supplies or services are to be used to support a contingency operation. (See 2.101 .) (d) SF 44 , Purchase Order-Invoice-Voucher. The normal threshold for the use of the SF 44 is at or below the micro-purchase threshold. Agencies may, however, establish higher dollar limitations for purchases made to support a contingency operation. (See 13.306 .) (e) Simplified procedures for certain commercial products and commercial services. The threshold limits authorized for use of this authority may be increased for acquisitions to support a contingency operation. (See 13.500 (c).)