Simplified Acquisition Certification

·         Delegation of CO authority to place Delivery Orders to acquire supply-type products/items only (no services/task orders) against pre-negotiated instruments (e.g. FSS, GWACs, IDIQ and BPAs), up to the limits stated within the vehicle used or $500,000, whichever is less.

·         Delegation of Contracting Officer authority to place task orders for services against the pre-negotiated instruments above (e.g. FSS, GWACs, IDIQs and BPAs) up to $25,000.

SAC-B:         

·         Delegation of CO authority up to and including $25,000 per transaction (maximum) on the open market.

·         Delegation of CO authority to place Delivery Orders to acquire supply-type products/items only (no services/task orders) against pre-negotiated instruments (e.g. FSS, GWACs, IDIQ and BPAs), up to the limits stated within the vehicle used or $500,000, whichever is less.

·         Delegation of Contracting Officer authority to acquire services up to and including the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 per open market transaction (maximum) or pre-negotiated agreement [please note, full $150,000 authority will only be granted in rare, extenuating cases and must be justified with supplemental request].

*As noted, the maximum full $25,000 open market limit will not be issued without further justification from applicant’s manager. Please contact our office for more guidance:Simplified@mail.nih.gov

SAC-A Training & Education Requirements:

(a)  Training –

1.     Basic Simplified Acquisition Procedures through the NIH Training Center or DAU’s CON 237, “Simplified Acquisition Procedures.” (CON 237-ONLINE)  

2.    Advanced Simplified Acquisition Procedures through NIH Training Center

3.    Appropriations Law through NIH Training Center or HHS University (on-line): 

4.    Simplified Acquisition & Delegated Procurement through   NIH Training Center:  (NIH-specific course)

5.    Green Purchase training:   

(b)  Experience & Performance –

1.    6 months of hands-on experience in simplified acquisition

2.    Satisfactory performance rating for most recent performance appraisal

SAC-B Training & Education Requirements:

(a)  Training –

1.     Basic Simplified Acquisition Procedures through the NIH Training Center or DAU’s CON 237, “Simplified Acquisition Procedures.” (CON 237-ONLINE)  

2.    Advanced Simplified Acquisition Procedures through NIH Training Center

3.    Appropriations Law through NIH Training Center or HHS University (on-line): 

4.    Simplified Acquisition & Delegated Procurement through   NIH Training Center:  (NIH-specific course)

5.    CON 100 (Shaping Smart Business Arrangements) through the NIH Training Center or through FAI: 

6.    CON 110 (Mission Support Planning) through the NIH Training Center or through FAI: 

7.    Green Purchase training:

(b)  Experience & Performance –

1.    One year of hands-on experience in simplified acquisition

2.    Satisfactory performance rating for most recent performance appraisal

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: 

Complete the attached  form (SAC-Application.form.2011.pdf), and forward via pdf to:  Simplified@mail.nih.gov .   Please note, your supervisor must sign.  The Reviewing Official is Kimberly Doherty, Acquisition Career Manager and the Approving Official is Diane Frasier, NIH Head of Contracts. The initial POC for simplified certifications is Aaron Weimer.

Please attach copies of all course certificates, your most recent performance appraisal and your resume in your application packet.  Your application will be reviewed at the next SAC quarterly board meeting or on a rolling basis.

Continuous Learning Requirements:

Individuals who hold a SAC certification are required to earn 40 CLPs of skills currency training every 2 years. This training should be acquisition-related. SAC certification will automatically expire if 40 CLPs are not earned every 2 years following an employee’s initial certification or re-certification, and any associated warrant may be terminated. Individuals should coordinate and track training with their supervisors based on the needs of their particular office or program. The Acquisition Career Program does not track or review this training unless an application for a warrant transfers or new certification request is submitted. Training can be completed through a variety of venues to include seminars, webinars, symposiums, the Federal Acquisition Institute (free training) and the NIH Training Center. Please visit this page for training resources.

Continuous Mandatory training:

• All those with a SAC certification & related warrant must complete Green Purchase training every two years (worth 2 CLPs)
• All those with a SAC certification & related warrant must complete Appropriations Law (or Refresher) per Kathleen Sebelius directive issued in 2011 every two years. Go to Appropriations Law for more information.

HHS Departmental Handbook:HHS DEPARTMENTAL HANDBOOK

QUESTIONS?  Submit to:  Simplified@mail.nih.gov