a. In accordance with FAR 8.004, CHs should consider use of non-mandatory sources such as FSS contracts/BPAs (e.g., GSA Advantage); Governmentwide acquisition contracts; multi-Component contracts (e.g., DoD FedMall contracts), and commercial sources in the open market (including educational and nonprofit institutions).

b. When purchasing against a BPA, CHs will ensure the requirements of FAR 13.303-5 are met. When purchasing against an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract, CHs will follow the ordering procedures as specified by the contracting officer and FAR Part 16. When purchasing against a FSS contract, CHs will follow the ordering procedures at FAR 8.405. CHs will attempt to distribute FSS orders among contractors that can meet the Army’s need in accordance with FAR 8.405-1(b).

c. Small Businesses. In accordance with FAR 19.203, the requirement to set aside acquisitions for small businesses does not apply to purchases valued at or below the MPT. However, in accordance with FAR 19.201, CHs should consider small businesses and socioeconomic programs to the maximum extent practicable when using the GPC for purchases at or below the MPT.

d. General Services Administration (GSA) Programs. GSA maintains the Federal Supply Schedule program, also known as the GSA Schedules Program or the Multiple Award Schedule Program. GSA offers an online shopping service called GSA Advantage! through which CHs may place orders against Schedules. CHs may also use GSA Advantage! to place orders through GSA’s Global Supply System, a GSA wholesale supply source, formerly known as "GSA Stock" or the "Customer Supply Center." GSA Advantage! enables CHs to search specific information (e.g., national stock number, part number, common name), review delivery options, place orders directly with Schedule contractors, and pay for orders using the GPC. CHs may place orders up to the MPT with any FSS contractor that can meet the agency’s needs. Although not required to solicit from a specific number of schedule contractors, ordering activities should attempt to distribute orders among contractors. Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative (FSSI) agreements are accessible at FSSI. Cardholders must consider GSA’s commercial platforms before using commercial sources.

e. FedMall. FedMall is a Government e-commerce acquisition platform which may be used for procuring supplies beyond those listed in Section 8-1. CHs who use FedMall are required to register for a FedMall account. To register, CHs will need to know their DoDAAC or their Activity Address Code (AAC). If FedMall does not recognize the CH’s DoDAAC or AAC, CHs should contact their A/OPC to request the contracting office’s Procurement DoDAAC for registration. FedMall is accessible through the CH’s PIEE account via the FedMall icon.

f. Commercial Sources. Before buying from a commercial source, CHs must review applicable mandatory sources and non-mandatory Government sources. See Tables 9-1 and 9-2. Cardholders should rotate commercial sources. Cardholders may purchase from a commercial source if the requested supplies or services are unavailable from the applicable mandatory source provided they obtain the appropriate waivers.