ADS 533 - Purchasing for USAID's Overseas Activities

The Executive Officer (EXO) is responsible for developing procurement requirements and related budget estimates, ensuring required inventories are performed, and ensuring that procurements comply with this chapter and other governing laws and regulations. The Chief, Bureau for Management, Office of Management Services, Overseas Management Division (M/MS/OMD) is responsible for providing advice and assistance to USAID Missions, purchasing residential furniture and representational items, and reviewing Mission requests to exceed the quantities of representational items listed in 6 FAM 773 Exhibit 2A. The procurement of furniture, furnishings, appliances, equipment, and equipment must comply with the principles and requirements set in this ADS chapter, 6 FAM 770, Furniture, Furnishings, Appliances, and Equipment for Residences and Offices, and applicable requirements in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Agency for International Development Regulations (AIDAR). When purchasing from vendors, USAID Missions must follow the policies and procedures outlined in the FAR, AIDAR, and ADS 330, Source Rules for Procurement. The Buy America, Balance of Payments, and the Trade Agreements Acts apply to procurements funded by the U.S. government. Contracting authority for USAID is derived from the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and is delegated either by position (Mission Director or USAID Officer at post) pursuant to the AIDAR, or through the Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Management (AA) to individual Contracting Officer and most Executive Officers, pursuant to the FAR. USAID Missions must follow policies concerning authorized representational furnishings for the USAID Principal Officer residence, as specified in 6 FAM 770. Representational china, crystal, and flatware must be ordered from M/AS/OMS, and other representational items must be ordered directly from vendors. Any deviations from ordering procedures or the authorized item list must be approved in advance by M/AS/OMS. USAID Missions must follow policies contained in 6 FAM 770 regarding the procurement and provision of furniture, furnishings, appliances, and equipment for USAID residences. The basic and supplemental furniture provided for U.S. Government-furnished residences are listed in Exhibits 6 FAM 770.3 A and B. When purchasing new furniture, USAID Missions must purchase from one or more of the following sources: local vendors, third-country vendors, U.S. vendors, or the Department of State furniture contract. Missions must forward orders to local, third-country, or U.S. vendors directly and comply with the FAR, AIDAR, and ADS directive. If necessary, M/MS/OMD will assist the ordering Mission in issuing the orders, providing source information, or following up with vendors in the U.S. When purchasing local or third-country furniture, the concept of "best value" without ostentation or luxury applies. Furniture must be comparable as to type, composition, and quality to that available under the State Department furniture contract. Missions wishing to order from the State Department Household Furniture Contract must submit an order in cable format to M/MS/OMD, as described in the instructions included with the Household Furniture Contract Price List. When procuring office furniture and furnishings, USAID Missions must comply with the standards established for office furniture in 6 FAM 770.2-1. Missions must furnish offices with the minimum necessary to meet requirements. Missions order furniture directly from vendors, the General Services Administration (GSA), or the Regional Procurement Offices in Bonn or Tokyo. If necessary, Missions may request assistance from M/MS/OMD in issuing orders, providing source information, or following up with vendors in the U.S.