FAR 53.213—Simplified acquisition procedures (SF’s 18, 30, 44, 1165, 1449, and OF’s 336, 347, and 348).
Plain-English Summary
FAR 53.213 tells contracting personnel which standard forms and optional agency forms/automated formats may be used in simplified acquisition procedures and in related buying actions such as orders under existing contracts or agreements, blanket purchase agreements (BPAs), basic ordering agreements (BOAs), and purchases from required sources. It specifically addresses SF 18, SF 30, SF 44, SF 1165, OF 336, SF 1449, OF 347, and OF 348, and ties each form to the FAR provisions that authorize its use. The section exists to standardize how the Government requests quotations, issues solicitations, places orders, modifies purchase orders, documents cash purchases, and uses continuation sheets. In practice, it helps contracting offices choose the right form for the acquisition method and transaction type, while also allowing agency-approved forms or automated formats where the FAR permits them. For contractors, the section matters because the form used can affect how quotes are submitted, how orders are accepted, what terms apply, and how changes or continuations are documented. For contracting officers and buyers, it is a cross-reference section that prevents using the wrong form for the wrong buying action and ensures compliance with the simplified acquisition rules in FAR Part 13 and related parts.
Key Rules
SF 18 for quotations
SF 18, Request for Quotations, is prescribed for obtaining price, cost, delivery, and related information from suppliers under the simplified acquisition rules in FAR 13.307(b). It is a quotation-request form, not a contract form, and is used when the Government wants supplier pricing and terms before award.
SF 1449 for commercial buys
SF 1449, Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Products and Commercial Services, may be used to obtain price, cost, delivery, and related information under FAR 13.307(b) and is also prescribed in FAR 53.212. It is a flexible form that can function as a solicitation, contract, or order for commercial acquisitions.
SF 30 for modifications
SF 30, Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract, may be used to modify purchase orders as specified in FAR 13.307(c)(3). It is the standard form for changing solicitation terms or contract/order terms when a formal modification is needed.
SF 44 for small purchases
SF 44, Purchase Order-Invoice-Voucher, is prescribed for use in simplified acquisition procedures under FAR 13.306. It is intended for very small, streamlined purchases where the form itself supports ordering, receiving, and invoicing in one document.
SF 1165 for imprest funds
SF 1165, Receipt for Cash-Subvoucher, may be used for imprest fund purchases under FAR 13.307(e). It supports cash-based small purchases and provides a receipt record for the disbursement.
OF 336 as continuation sheet
OF 336, Continuation Sheet, may be used as a continuation sheet in solicitations under FAR 13.307(c)(1) and is prescribed in FAR 53.214(h). It is used when the main form does not provide enough space for all required information.
OF 347 and OF 348 for orders
OF 347, Order for Supplies or Services, and OF 348, Order for Supplies or Services-Schedule Continuation, may be used with SF 1449 or approved agency forms/automated formats for simplified acquisitions, BPAs, BOAs, and other specified uses. These forms support ordering actions and continuation of line-item schedules when more space is needed.
Use only where authorized
The forms listed in this section are not universal; each is tied to specific FAR citations and acquisition contexts. Users must match the form to the authorized procedure, such as simplified acquisition, BPA use, BOA orders, or other chapter-specific requirements.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Select the correct prescribed form or approved agency form/automated format for the acquisition method being used. Ensure the form matches the applicable FAR citation, use SF 30 for authorized modifications, and use continuation sheets or order forms only where permitted.
Buyer/Contract Specialist
Prepare solicitations, quotations requests, orders, and supporting documents using the proper form and required continuation sheets. Verify that the transaction is within simplified acquisition procedures or another authorized use before selecting SF 44, SF 1165, OF 347, OF 348, or SF 1449.
Agency
Provide approved agency forms or automated formats when the FAR allows them and ensure those tools are aligned with the cited FAR requirements. Maintain internal procedures so personnel use the correct form for BPAs, BOAs, simplified acquisitions, and other authorized transactions.
Contractor/Supplier
Respond using the form or format requested by the Government, and provide pricing, delivery, and related information as required by the solicitation or order form. Review SF 1449, SF 18, or order documents carefully because the form may carry contractual terms, acceptance requirements, or order instructions.
Finance/Disbursing Personnel
Use SF 1165 and related cash-purchase documentation only when imprest fund procedures are authorized and properly supported. Ensure receipts and voucher records are retained in accordance with applicable fiscal controls.
Practical Implications
Choosing the wrong form can create compliance problems, especially when a form is used outside the acquisition method or dollar/transaction context the FAR authorizes.
SF 1449 is especially important because it can serve multiple roles; users should confirm whether it is being used as a solicitation, contract, or order and complete it accordingly.
SF 44 and SF 1165 are specialized tools for streamlined or cash-based purchases, so they should not be treated as general-purpose procurement forms.
Continuation sheets matter when the base form lacks space; failing to attach the right continuation form can leave key terms, line items, or clauses incomplete.
Agency-approved automated formats are allowed in several places, but only if they are approved and used consistently with the cited FAR provisions and agency procedures.
Official Regulatory Text
The following forms are prescribed as stated in this section for use in simplified acquisition procedures, orders under existing contracts or agreements, and orders from required sources of supplies and services: (a) SF 18 (Rev.6/95), Request for Quotations, or SF 1449 (Rev. Nov 2021), Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Products and Commercial Services. SF 18 is prescribed for use in obtaining price, cost, delivery, and related information from suppliers as specified in 13.307 (b). SF 1449 , as prescribed in 53.212 , or other agency forms/automated formats, may also be used to obtain price, cost, delivery, and related information from suppliers as specified in 13.307 (b). (b) SF 30 (Rev.11/2016), Amendment of Solicitation/ Modification of Contract . SF 30 , prescribed in 53.243 , may be used for modifying purchase orders, as specified in 13.307 (c)(3). (c) SF 44 (Rev.10/83), Purchase Order Invoice Voucher . SF 44 is prescribed for use in simplified acquisition procedures, as specified in 13.306 . (d) SF 1165 (6/83Ed.), Receipt for Cash-Subvoucher . SF 1165 (GAO) may be used for imprest fund purchases, as specified in 13.307 (e). (e) OF 336 (4/86Ed.), Continuation Sheet . OF 336 , prescribed in 53.214 (h), may be used as a continuation sheet in solicitations, as specified in 13.307 (c)(1). (f) SF 1449 (Rev. Nov 2021) Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Products and Commercial Services prescribed in 53.212 , OF 347 (Rev.2/2012), Order for Supplies or Services, and OF 348 (Rev.4/06), Order for Supplies or Services-Schedule Continuation. SF 1449 , OF’s 347 and 348 (or approved agency forms/automated formats) may be used as follows: (1) To accomplish acquisitions under simplified acquisition procedures, as specified in 13.307 . (2) To establish blanket purchase agreements (BPA’s), as specified in 13.303-2 , and to make purchases under BPA’s, as specified in 13.303-5 . (3) To issue orders under basic ordering agreements, as specified in 16.703 (d)(2)(i). (4) As otherwise specified in this chapter ( e.g., see 5.503 (a)(2), 8.406-1 , 36.701 (b), and 51.102 (e)(3)(ii)).