§ 313.104 - Procedures.

(i) Small purchase methods are designed to acquire defined, off-the-shelf, standard supplies, equipment, or services which may be awarded on the basis of a fixed price quotation. Small purchase methods should not be used to acquire R & D, complex studies, services, and the like (which require judgmental technical evaluations and involve negotiations) where the award cannot be confidently made on the low price. Where requirements are not suitable for accomplishment using small purchase methods, more formal negotiation methods or sealed bidding should be used.

(j) Small purchases accomplished in accordance with this part may not be awarded on a cost-reimbursement basis.

(k) Small purchase methods should be used with great prudence for the acquisition of consultants to avoid the increased possibility of using consultants in an improper personal services capacity.