FAR 22.1500—Scope.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 22.1500 is a scope provision that tells readers when the requirements in FAR Subpart 22.15 apply. It states that the subpart applies to acquisitions of supplies that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, which means the rules in this subpart are triggered only for supply purchases above that dollar threshold. In practical terms, this section is a gateway provision: it does not itself impose substantive labor, wage, or sourcing requirements, but it determines which acquisitions must be reviewed under the rest of Subpart 22.15. Contracting officers and acquisition personnel use it to decide whether the subpart’s requirements must be considered during planning, solicitation, and award. Contractors should understand it because it signals that certain supply procurements above the micro-purchase threshold may carry additional compliance obligations elsewhere in the subpart. The section is important because scope provisions prevent over-application of regulatory requirements and help agencies apply the FAR consistently and only where intended.
Key Rules
Applies to supply acquisitions
This subpart covers acquisitions of supplies, not all types of contracting actions. If the procurement is for supplies and the dollar threshold is met, the subpart may apply.
Threshold is the trigger
The subpart applies only when the acquisition exceeds the micro-purchase threshold. Purchases at or below that threshold are outside the scope of this section.
Scope only, not substantive requirements
FAR 22.1500 does not itself create a contractor obligation or evaluation factor. It simply identifies the acquisitions to which the rest of Subpart 22.15 applies.
Use in acquisition planning
Contracting personnel must check this scope rule early to determine whether the procurement must be processed under the requirements in the remainder of the subpart.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the acquisition is for supplies and whether the value exceeds the micro-purchase threshold, then apply the rest of Subpart 22.15 if the scope condition is met.
Acquisition/Procurement Staff
Screen planned purchases against the threshold and type of acquisition so the correct regulatory requirements are included in the solicitation and award process.
Contractor
Recognize that supply procurements above the micro-purchase threshold may be subject to additional requirements under this subpart and review the solicitation accordingly.
Agency
Ensure internal acquisition procedures and training reflect that this subpart applies only to qualifying supply acquisitions above the micro-purchase threshold.
Practical Implications
This section is a threshold check: if the purchase is not for supplies or does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold, Subpart 22.15 does not apply.
A common pitfall is assuming every procurement is covered; this scope is limited and should be verified before adding related clauses or requirements.
Contracting officers should confirm the dollar threshold early, especially when requirements are split, modified, or incrementally funded, to avoid misapplying the subpart.
Contractors should not assume the absence of a clause means no related obligations exist; the solicitation and the rest of the subpart control once scope is triggered.
Because this is only a scope provision, users must look to the remaining sections of Subpart 22.15 for the actual substantive rules.
Official Regulatory Text
This subpart applies to acquisitions of supplies that exceed the micro-purchase threshold.