federal supply schedule far

Line items can be added to a Schedule contract without consideration of a sales dollar threshold as long as the item meets the definition of a commercial item as defined by FAR 2.101. This section of the FAR describes the procedures that must be followed when a Federal customer is purchasing goods or services from a Multiple Award Schedule contract. A: These are contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Q: How can I get a Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract? Effective immediately, contracting officers shall comply with the following policy, in lieu of FAR 8.404 (d), Pricing, when using Federal Supply Schedules. the Federal Supply schedules, and to report accomplishments against these goals. The FSS contract price is a “ceiling price”, meaning that you cannot sell the item for more than the awarded FSS contract price. AUTOMOBILES. Ordering procedures for Federal Supply Schedules. Gen. Mar. The Acquisition Official shall use the optional Federal Supply Schedules over open market, commercial sources as listed in FAR Part 8.001. Agencies may also use framework-like “blanket purchase agreements”, which are governed by FAR Part 13, or Federal Supply Schedule contracts (“Schedule contracts”), which are governed by FAR Subpart 8.4 and managed by the U.S. General Services Administration (“GSA”), to purchase certain goods or services. The rule is not being applied to the GSA Federal Supply Schedule Program at this time, but GSA has stated that it will separately address the implementation of Section 880 outside of this current rule. MAS makes buying easy and efficient with the use of modern technology to connect government … (a) Use FAR clause 52.212-4 Alternate I in all Federal Supply Schedules authorized for the acquisition of order-level materials (see 538.7201(b)). GSA FAR Authorized Federal Supply Schedule & Price List Contract Number: GS-21F-075BA Contract Period: April 9, 2019 — April 8, 2024 By Bee® Contact: Brenda Hu, MAB, CPA (Inactive) President (O) 512.364.0688 | (F) 512.364.0686 BrendaHu@BeeUSA.com Address: 13809 Research Boulevard, Suite 279 Austin, TX 78750 512.364.0688 BeeUSA.com ORDERING PROCEEDURES FOR FEDERAL SUPPLY SCHEDULE CONTRACTS Ordering activities shall use the ordering procedures of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.405 when placing an order or establishing a BPA for supplies or services. DATE: December 19, 2000 FROM: Barry McVay, CPCM SUBJECT: Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); Federal Supply Schedule Order Disputes and Incidental Items SOURCE: Federal Register, December 19, 2000, Vol. FAR Part 8.4, Federal Supply Schedules, and FAR Part 38, Federal Supply Schedule Contracts, govern the operation and use of the schedule program. 552.238-81 MODIFICATIONS (FEDERAL SUPPLY SCHEDULE) (APR 2014) (ALTERNATE I – APR 2014) (a) General. FAR 8.404 Use of Federal Supply Schedules. FAR subpart 8.4, Federal Supply Schedules, and FAR part 38, Federal Supply Schedule Contracts, govern the operation and use of the schedule program (FAR subpart 8.4 prescribes procedures for ordering, and FAR part 38 prescribes proce- dures that GSA must follow when administering the FSS program). Subpart 38.2—Establishing and Administering Federal Supply Schedules. $ SAn This acquisition Is being conducted under the authority of the Multiple-Award Schedule Program pursuant to Title Ill of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (~1_l1.S.C. A sample format, which may be used to create a This class deviation clarifies that ordering activity contracting officers are responsible for making a determination of fair and reasonable pricing when using Federal Supply Schedules. VA » VA Federal Supply Schedule Service » Frequently Asked Questions » Contractor - Procurement Action Lead Time (PALT) and Priorities VA Federal Supply Schedule Service ... U.S. Federal/Military Sites — You will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs web site by accessing links annotated with this graphic. GSA Schedule 47QTCA18D0081 Federal Supply Service Authorized Federal Supply Schedule Price List GSA Multiple Award Schedule Federal Supply Group: Information Technology ... FAR 36.6 distinguishes between mapping services of an A/E nature and mapping services which are not connected nor incidental to the traditionally accepted A/E Services. Thus, in a federal procurement of a supply or service from Ireland with an estimated value above $169,000, or of construction services from Ireland with an estimated value above $6,481,000, the BAA does not apply -- i.e., the company selling the supply or service is treated like an American company. The federal government has increased the weekly supply by 20 percent over the next three weeks, but New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. For example, an agency can make use of Federal Supply Schedules as described in FAR Subpart 8.4. 5. Chamber Members: Today’s update covers a number of important topics coming out of Springfield as well as the usual infrastructure talk out in Washington D.C. Federal Schedules has helped businesses of all sizes successfully obtain, manage and grow with GSA and VA Schedule Contracts for more than 35 years. Subpart 806.1 - Full and Open Competition [Deviation per Class Deviation–Veterans First Contracting Program (VFCP 2016), dated July 25, 2016, adds new sections to VAAR part 806 for competitive awards made using the multiple award schedules program of the GSA, including the VA Federal Supply Schedule Program. Distributing and allocating vaccines. GSA's Federal Supply Schedules, commonly known as GSA Schedules or Multiple Award Schedules (MAS), are Government-wide contracts providing federal agencies with a simplified process for acquiring commercial supplies and services. FAR 8.704 indicates that Federal Prison Industries (FPI) has priority over the AbilityOne Program for supplies (products) purchased. Under the authority of the Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement Revision 25, published in April 2010: CHESS is the mandatory source for commercial IT purchases. For an order or blanket purchase agreement (BPA) exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold that is a follow-on to an order or BPA for the same supply or services previously issued based on a limiting sources justification citing the authority at … Parts 13 (except 13.303-2 (c) (3) ), 14, 15, and 19 (except for the requirements at 19.102 (b) (3) and 19.202-1 (e) (1) (iii) )do not apply to BPAs or orders placed against Federal Supply Schedules contracts (but see 8.405-5 ). The Federal Supply Schedule mirrors commercial buying practices and uses the purchasing power of the federal government to obtain volume discounts on commonly used supplies and services. Requirements shall be filled at the highest priority source for which the requirement is reasonably available. FOR FEDERAL SUPPLY SCHEDULE ORDER (GSA) ($3000 TO SAT) ... Authority is limit sources to less than those required by FAR 8.405-1 and 8.405-2 is found at FAR 8.405-6. The FSS Program is also known as the General Services Administration Schedules Program or the Multiple Award Schedules Program. Delegated authority by the General Services Administration the VA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Service supports the health care acquisition needs of the VA and other Government agencies. Under this multiple award contract, GSA has determined the prices on all of the Federal Supply Schedules to be fair and reasonable based on their competition prior to award (FAR 8.404). 208.404 Use of Federal Supply Schedules. An interim FAR rule has changed fair notice competition requirements for orders placed against the GSA Schedules, also known as Federal Supply Schedules (FSS), as well as: FSS Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) Government Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) FAR 15 describes the procedures for competitive and non-competitive open market acquisitions exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT). The FAR 51 Deviation expired on October 23, 2019 and shall not be used on orders placed after this date. (1) Circumstances justifying limiting the source. Evaluation-Commercial Items (Federal Supply Schedule) (May 2019) (a) The Government may make multiple awards for the supplies or services offered in response to this solicitation that meet the definition of a “commercial item” in FAR 52.202 1. GPO works with OMB to produce and distribute the President’s Budget, an annual tradition since the Budget and Accounting Act was established in 1921. Contracting offices must obtain a formal waiver (FAR 8.604) from FPI before making any supply (product) purchases from AbilityOne participating nonprofit agencies. The General Services Administration (GSA) manages Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contracts, also known as Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts. (a) General. 3710 – Soil Preparation Equipment 1510 – Aircraft – fixed wing 1560 - Airframe Structural Components 2305 – Ground effect vehicles 1. 8.405-6 Limiting sources. This must be done as set forth in this paragraph (b). Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subparts 8.4 Federal Supply Schedules – 8.406-7 Contractor performance evaluation and 8.406-8 Reporting 9.1 Responsible Prospective Contractors – 9.104 Standards and 9.105 Procedures 9.4 Debarment, Suspension and Ineligibility – 9.406 Debarment and 9.407 Suspension These procedures apply to all schedules. GPO and OMB Release President Biden's FY2022 Budget 05/28/21 The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) have released President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget. Supplier: ARUP Laboratories. A Justification and Approval (J&A) is a document required by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (Subpart 6.3) that justifies and obtains approval for a sole source contract.Definition of Sole Source: 10 U.S.C. In my research, I noted FAR 19.804-6 (a), which states, “Separate offers and acceptances must not be made for individual orders under multiple award, Federal Supply Schedule (FSS), multi-agency contracts or Governmentwide acquisition contracts. Among other streamlined procedures identified are those goods and services available under Federal Supply Schedule contracts (FAR 8.4 ), multi-agency Blanket Purchase Agreements (FAR 8.405-3(a)(6)), or multi-agency, indefinite-delivery contracts (FAR 16.505(a)(8)). Welcome! Using the GSA Schedule Contract Obtaining our services through our Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) is relatively easy using the GSA process. The Acquisition Official shall use the optional Federal Supply Schedules over open market, commercial sources as listed in FAR Part 8.001. Use the following language for the clause fill-in: (1) Insert “Each order must list separately subcontracts for services excluded from the FSS Hourly Rates” in paragraph (e)(1)(iii)(D). However, an ordering activity must justify its action when restricting consideration in accordance with paragraph (a) or (b) of this section -. Some structured data entry in a prescribed format may be required. In addition, 552.238-94 (Proposed Rule), now 552.238-83 (Final Rule), Examination of Records by GSA (Federal Supply Schedules) was incorrectly included in the “new” clause list rather than the “revised existing” clause list. Effective immediately, contracting officers shall comply with the following policy, in lieu of FAR 8.404(d), Pricing, when using Federal Supply Schedules. Federal Prison Industries, Inc. 3. GSA Contract, GSA Schedule, GSA Schedule Contract, GSA Schedules Program, Federal Supply Schedule (FSS), Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program, GSA Number, GSA List, GSA Approved. According to the General Services Administration (GSA), total sales through the Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) program in fiscal year 2014 were $33.1 billion. The primary source of Federal Procurement Information and Guidance is the Federal Acquisition Regulations which consists of Parts 1-53 of Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Some people are thinking, “Does that really mean I can use my government purchase card without considering UNICOR, NIB/NISH, stock programs, excess inventory, or Federal Supply Schedules anymore?” The answer is, No. You may offer reduced pricing to any federal customer at any time; however, if the price reduction meets any of the requirements of the Price Reductions Clause then you must submit a price reduction modification. In the search field under the page title Learning Search, enter the title or course ID to find the Event (e.g., CON 170 (FED), FCR 201, FPM 121, etc.) a. The Acquisition Official shall follow the priority of sourcing stipulated in FAR 8.001. In addition to interagency acquisitions authorized by the Economy Act, Federal Acquisition Acquisitions to include orders over $500,000 issued against Federal Supply Schedules. Federal Supply Schedules provide agencies with a simplified ordering process for obtaining commercial supplies and services at prices associated with volume buying. FAR Part 8.4, Federal Supply Schedules, and FAR Part 38, Federal Supply Schedule Contracts, govern the operation and use of the schedule program. FAR 8.405-3(d)(3) provides that: “[c]ontractors may be awarded BPAs that extend beyond the current term of their GSA Schedule contract, so long as there are option periods in their GSA Schedule contract that, if exercised, will cover the BPA’s period of performance.” A corresponding GSA FSS contract clause, I-FSS-646, provides a similar rule. Today, GSA Schedule Contract award numbers consist of 13 characters and the 6 different elements detailed below. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 8.4- Federal Supply Schedules regulates the use of the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Program. COVID-19 vaccines will be available to everyone in Canada who are recommended to get the vaccine by federal, provincial and territorial public health bodies. For orders exceeding the micro purchase threshold, FAR 8.404 requires agencies to consider the catalogs/pricelists of at least three schedule contractors or consider reasonably available information by using the GSA Advantage!™ On-line shopping services FAR Subpart 8.4 - Federal Supply Schedules Federal Supply Schedule is simply another term for Multiple Award Schedule. Investigate Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts. FAR Subpart 8.4 FAR Part 13 FAR Part 15 Federal Supply Schedule Simplified Acquisition Procedures Contracting by Negotiation Procedures for placing GSA Schedule Contracts, also known as GSA Schedules or Federal Supply Schedules, are indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ), long-term contracts under the General Services Administration’s Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program. 38.201 Coordination requirements. For example, an agency can make use of Federal Supply Schedules as described in FAR Subpart 8.4. Available at , the FAR covers, for example, contractor qualifications, types of contracts, small business programs, and federal supply schedule contracting. For establishing BPAs and for orders under BPAs see 8.405-3. The procedures in this section apply to all schedules. 7. Our program manages 9 multiple award Schedules for medical equipment, supply, pharmaceutical, and service contracts (FSC 65, 66, … Use of Government Supply Sources. 208.405 Ordering office responsibilities. a. has day supply limits for specific scheduled controlled substances. 808.404-70 Use of Federal Supply Schedules—the Veterans First Contracting Program. Definition (Federal Supply Schedules) - Non-Federal Entity (May 2019) Ordering activity (also called “ordering agency” and “ordering office”) means an eligible ordering activity (see 552.238-113), authorized to place orders under Federal Supply Schedule contracts. The Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) is here to help our customer agencies with Section 889 implementation. (a) General. Federal Supply Schedules – FAR 8.4 Commercial Items – FAR 12 Simplified Acquisitions – FAR 13 Contracting by Negotiation – FAR 15 IDIQ – FAR 16.5 Letter Contract – FAR 16.603 Agreements – FAR 16.7 Small Business – FAR 19 BAA – FAR 35.016 SBIR/STTR Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) Non-FAR Based Strategies Highlight Words. 500 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108. (e.g., Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.212-4 at paragraph (f) and FSS clause I-FSS-249 B). The Contractor shall report all contract sales under this ... FAR Part 13, FAR Part 14, or FAR Part 15 procurement; or a non-FAR contract. Two major federal regulations determine policy for the GSA Schedules program. Effect of Subcontractor Default. (1) The Contractor must also prepare and distribute a Federal Supply Schedule Price List as required by clause 552.238 77, Submission and Distribution of Authorized Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Price Lists. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subparts 1.1 Purpose, Authority, Issuance – 1.108 FAR conventions 2.1 Definitions 5.3 Synopses of Contract Awards 5.4 Release of Information 6 Competition Requirements 8.4 Federal Supply Schedules 9.1 Responsible Prospective Contractors – … Federal Supply Schedules . 2. Even though FAR 13.003(b)(1) addresses small business set-asides for acquisitions above the micro-purchase threshold, the inclusion of FAR Part 19, in addition to FAR Part 13, further emphasizes that ordering offices must consider small business programs when acquiring items not on the Federal Supply Schedule. GSA FAR Authorized Federal Supply Schedule & Price List Contract Number: GS-21F-075BA Contract Period: April 9, 2019 — April 8, 2024 By Bee® Contact: Brenda Hu, MAB, CPA (Inactive) President (O) 512.364.0688 | (F) 512.364.0686 BrendaHu@BeeUSA.com Address: 13809 Research Boulevard, Suite 279 Austin, TX 78750 512.364.0688 BeeUSA.com X. Schedules contain negotiated fixed-prices for the products and services each contractor proposes to offer under the schedule … FAR 8.405 Ordering procedures for Federal Supply Schedules. Accordingly, clause CI-FSS-056 FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) PART 51 DEVIATION AUTHORITY (FEDERAL SUPPLY SCHEDULES) (JAN 2010) has been DELETED from the Consolidated Solicitation under Refresh 1. Contractor Use of GSA Federal Supply Schedules Contracting officers should refer to FAR 51.101 regarding the authorization for contractors to use Federal Supply Schedule contracts in the performance of government cost‐reimbursement contracts. The Acquisition Official shall follow the priority of sourcing stipulated in FAR 8.001. The VA is delegated authority by GSA (see FAR 8.402(a) ) for multiple award contracts for medical equipment, supply, pharmaceutical, and service Schedule programs. The FAR defines a deviation as the issuance or use of a policy, procedure, solicitation provision, contract clause, method, or practice of conducting acquisition actions of any kind at any stage of the acquisition process that is inconsistent with the FAR. –Offered to the federal contract (or subcontract) without modification, as sold in the commercial marketplace. Contract Terms. PIIDs are unique numbers used to identify federal contracts, agreements, and orders. Services. FAR Subpart 8.4, Part 13, and Part 15 provide alternative means for getting your requirements on contract: Construction and Architect-Engineer services must be procured IAW FAR Part 36. Federal Supply Schedules . Product: Federal Supply Schedule (FSS ) 621 II Medical Laboratory Testing and Analysis. and Title 40 u.s.c. Currently, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) specifies that “[n]o purchase or award shall be made unless the contracting officer makes an affirmative determination of responsibility.” 5 Contracting officers make responsibility determinations after considering whether prospective GSA has already determined the prices of supplies and fixed-price services, and rates for services offered at hourly rates, under schedule contracts to be fair and … Federal Supply Schedules, Governmentwide acquisition contracts, multi–contracts, and other vehicles intended for use by multiple agencies. A: Many DoD purchases are, in fact, orders on FSS contracts. 8.404 Use of Federal Supply Schedules. The Simplified Acquisition BPA is subject to the rules set out in FAR 13.303; the FSS BPA is subject to the rules set out in FAR 8.405-3. FAR Part 12. If payment is made my check remit to … A Federal Supply Schedule is a GSA schedule contracting office issued publication containing the information necessary for placing delivery orders with schedule contractors. See DoD Class Deviation 2014-O0011- Determination of Fair and Reasonable Prices When Using Federal Supply Schedule Contracts, dated March 13, 2014. Executive in accordance with FAR Subpart 1.404, Class deviations. This includes purchases by federal, state, and local agencies, including federal intelligence agencies which do not report their FSS spending publicly. Indefinite delivery contracts are awarded to provide supplies and services at stated prices for given periods of time. 14. AbilityOne ( formerly Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled) 4. Note 3: The Economy Act does not apply to orders placed against GSA Schedules (FAR 17.502- 2(b)). FAR Based Strategies. 12. A GSA Schedule BPA is an agreement established by a government buyer with a Schedule contractor to fill repetitive needs for supplies or services (FAR 8.405-3). Barry McVay's FEDERAL CONTRACTS DISPATCH. • Excusable delays in fixed price supply and service contracts are governed by paragraphs (c) and (d) of the default clause in FAR 52.249-8, as follows: • (c) Except for defaults of subcontractors at any tier, the Contractor shall not be liable for any excess costs if the failure to perform the contract arises from causes beyond the control Agencies can place Task Orders or Delivery Orders under GSA Federal Supply Schedule for required products or services. This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Multiple Award Schedule Program. FAR; Use Alternate I for single award Federal Supply Schedules. FAR Part 19: Small Business Programs 13 •A COTS item is any supply item including construction, that is: –A commercial item as defined in FAR 2.101(1). Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) – The GSA Schedules program is prescribed in FAR Subpart 8.4 and FAR Part 38 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which codifies policy for federal … To include open market tests on a GSA FSS procurement, please contact your local contracting officer and refer to FAR 8.402 (f). Purchase IT or telecommunications using solutions like Schedule 70, Federal Relay or Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts. 501, Services for Executive Agencies. Doses of the vaccines will be distributed in Canada in phases, which began in December 2020. 244, page 79701 AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration (GSA), and … Contractor Use of GSA Federal Supply Schedules Contracting officers should refer to FAR 51.101 regarding the authorization for contractors to use Federal Supply Schedule contracts in the performance of government cost‐reimbursement contracts. AIRCRAFT PARTS AND TIRES: 4. At a minimum, every Commercial Sources (including educational and non-profit institutions). To help workforce members easily navigate the FAR Provision and Clause Matrix (FAR 52.3), DAU created a tool that expands on the information contained in the FAR matrix. 38.101 General. (e) Orders placed against Federal Supply Schedules may be credited toward the ordering agency’s small business goals (see FAR 8.404(b)(6)). AIRCRAFT : 3. The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act, covers micro purchasing and the simplified acquisition procedures. Ordering Procedures for Federal Supply Schedule Contracts Ordering activities shall use the ordering procedures of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.405 when placing an order or establishing a BPA for supplies or services. The Veterans First Contracting Program implemented in subpart 819.70 pursuant to 38 U.S.C 8127 and 8128 applies to VA contracts, BPAs, and orders under FAR 8.4 and has precedence over other small business programs. This module is primarily intended for the Federal 1102 community in both civilian and military agencies, particularly contracting professionals at all levels who seek to gain understanding or strengthen their knowledge of Federal Supply Schedules and socioeconomic support. SBA’s acceptance of the original contract is valid for the term of the contract.” Its law requires that “[p]rescriptions for controlled substances listed in Schedules III, IV, and V shall not be issued for more than a thirty-one day supply of the substance.” 15. In lieu of FAR 51 Deviation, agencies may use Order Level Material (OLM) procedures to acquire other direct costs (OCDs) and material support items to meet specific order requirements. Supplies offered on the schedule are listed at fixed prices. The Contractor may request a contract modification by submitting a request to the Contracting Officer for approval, except as noted in paragraph (d) of this clause. 2304(c) authorizes, under certain conditions, contracting without providing for full and open competition. The Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) program provides the Government with a simplified process of acquiring commercial supplies and services in varying quantities while obtaining volume discounts. Wholesale Supply Sources : 6. Simplified Acquisition Procurements (FAR Part 13)*; and 4. Ordering activities shall use the ordering procedures of this section when placing an order or establishing a BPA for supplies or services. Authorized Federal Supply Schedule Price List. 208.405-2 Order placement. For more information ordering from Federal Supply Schedules click on the FSS Schedules button at fss.gsa.gov. Requirements shall be filled at the highest priority source for which the requirement is reasonably available. GSA's key goal is to deliver excellent acquisition services that provide best value, in terms of cost, quality and service, for federal agencies and taxpayers. Federal Supply Schedules provide agencies with a simplified ordering process for obtaining commercial supplies and services at prices associated with volume buying. Distributing and allocating vaccines. GSA Federal Supply Schedules) under cost type contracts or other subcontracts where the majority of the supplier’s subcontracts are cost type. However, an ordering activity must justify its action when restricting consideration in accordance with paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section— AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES. –Sold in substantial quantities in the commercial marketplace. Search the FAR. Questions as to the FSC applicability of items under this administrative waiver may be sent via email to Erika Norris , Management Analyst, Marketing, Research & Corporate Support. Sales made to state and local governments under Cooperative Purchasing authority shall be counted as Examples of more specific authority are 40 U.S.C. FAR IA (Mandatory for Acquisitions > SAT) (Optional for Acqs. So, the correct number was forty-three (43) “new” FSS-specific clauses in the proposed rule. Sealed Bid Acquisitions (FAR Part 14). Federal Schedules has helped businesses of all sizes successfully obtain, manage and grow with GSA and VA Schedule Contracts for more than 35 years. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) states that BPAs are permitted when: There is a wide variety of items in a broad class of supplies or services that are generally purchased, but the exact items, quantities, and delivery requirements are not known in advance and may vary considerably.