Why is the micro-purchase exception temporary?
The FAR provides an exception for micro-purchases until October 2004. Many micro-purchases are conducted by program officials (i.e., end users) with the help of government- wide purchase cards. The temporary exception reflects the difficulty program officials face in identifying products that meet the technical provisions of the Access Board’s standards before industry’s section 508-related manufacturing of products becomes commonplace. By the time this exception expires, many products are expected to meet the Access Board’s technical provisions and may be so labeled by the manufacturer. In the meantime, contracting officers and purchase card holders are strongly encouraged to acquire EIT that meets the applicable technical provisions to the maximum extent practicable.
The FAR provides an exception for micro-purchases until January 1, 2003. Many micro-purchases are conducted by program officials (i.e., end users) with the help of government-wide purchase cards. The temporary exception reflects the difficulty program officials face in identifying products that meet the technical provisions of the Access Board’s standards before industry’s section 508-related manufacturing of products becomes commonplace. By the time this exception expires, many products are expected to meet the Access Board’s technical provisions and may be so labeled by the manufacturer. In the meantime, contracting officers and purchase card holders are strongly encouraged to acquire EIT that meets the applicable technical provisions to the maximum extent practicable.
