Benefits and Advantages of Using Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)

Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) established under the GSA Schedules Program provide ordering activities with a variety of benefits and advantages. Contractual terms and conditions are contained in GSA Schedule contracts and are not to be re-negotiated for GSA Schedule BPAs. Therefore, as a purchasing option, BPAs eliminate such contracting and open market costs as the search for sources, the need to prepare solicitations, and the requirement to synopsize the acquisition. BPAs also—

  • Provide an opportunity to negotiate improved discounts; 
  • Satisfy recurring requirements; 
  • Reduce administrative efforts by eliminating repetitive, individual orders and payments;
  • Let customers obtain better value by leveraging buying power through volume purchasing;
  • Enable an ordering activity to use streamlined ordering procedures; 
  • Permit an ordering activity to incorporate Contractor Team Arrangements (CTAs);
  • Allow for quicker turnarounds on orders; and 
  • Permit an ordering activity to incorporate terms and conditions not in conflict with the underlying contract.

A BPA can be set up for field offices across the nation, thus allowing them to participate in a customer's BPA and place orders directly with GSA Schedule contractors. In doing so, the entire agency reaps the benefits of additional discounts negotiated into the BPA.

A multi-agency BPA is also permitted if the BPA identifies the participating agencies and their estimated requirements at the time the BPA is established.

Last Reviewed 9/24/2009