Federal Contracting Acronym
BPA
Blanket Purchase Agreement
Plain-English definition
A Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is a simplified ordering method for recurring needs. Agencies establish BPAs against GSA Schedules or standalone agreements, then issue calls for specific quantities or services. BPAs reduce administrative burden compared with full procurements for each purchase while still requiring fair opportunity among BPA holders when multiple vendors exist.
Why it matters
BPAs are a high-volume path for services and supplies; pricing and call-order response speed determine share of spend.
Where you will see it
GSA Schedule ordering guides, agency BPAs, and simplified acquisition call orders.
Example in context
An agency establishes a BPA for help-desk support and issues quarterly call orders against it.