BPA (Blanket Purchase Agreement)

A Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is a simplified acquisition method used to fill anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services. BPAs establish charge accounts with qualified vendors, allowing the government to make purchases quickly without processing individual purchase orders each time.

BPAs are typically established against existing contracts such as GSA Federal Supply Schedules. They pre-negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions, streamlining the ordering process. Individual purchases under a BPA are called 'calls' and can often be made by authorized personnel with minimal additional competition.

For vendors, BPAs represent a steady revenue stream and simplified ordering process. They work best for commonly purchased items and services where the government can predict recurring needs but not exact quantities or timing.