Simplified Purchase Agreement

Control your purchase of printing, publishing, and digital services at competitive prices from hundreds of certified, tested, and reliable vendors. Backed by GPO administrative and technical assistance, the Simplified Purchase Agreement (SPA) ensures vendor compliance with GPO Contract Term Quality Assurance Through Attributes Program for Printing and Binding and Government Paper Specification Standards—while offering the best value for purchases up to $10,000. For a program overview, watch the SPA video.

Benefits

• Convenience: As an authorized SPA user, you have access to a database of SPA certified vendors. By placing your order directly, time delays are reduced and GPO is available to answer questions and provide administrative and technical assistance for complex job modifications.
• Savings: Your agency saves money as a result of GPO’s large volume buying position.
• 4 Payment Options: SPA accounts may be financed by credit card, GPO deposit account, Intra-governmental Payment and Collection (IPAC) or G-Invoicing billing methods.

Service and Product Options

• Printing
• Binding
• Copying
• Digital imaging
• Graphic design services
• Folders (presentation, pocket, etc.)
• Promotional products
• Signs, posters, and banners
• Engraving (printed and metal/plastics)
• Services (508 compliance services, editorial and translation services, etc.)

Federal Agencies - How to Get Started

Step 1: Establish Your SPA Account

To participate in the new consolidated 1234-M SPA program you must contact Simplified Purchases at [email protected] to establish an account. The 1234-M SPA program is scheduled to start on October 1, 2025.

Step 2: Complete and Submit the Required Forms

• Standard Form SF-1 (Must be renewed at the beginning of each fiscal year)
• Memorandum of Agreement (Only needs to be submitted once)
• SPA Agency Authorization Form (Lists agency-authorized users)

For guidance completing these forms refer to the video instructions.

Step 3: Attend Mandatory SPA Training

All agency personnel who will solicit quotes and place SPA orders must attend a free mandatory SPA training. GPO offers virtual training on a monthly basis. Once the training is completed, GPO will delegate purchasing authority to authorized SPA users and provide them with access to certified vendors in GPO Publish.

Step 4: Place Your SPA Order

Select certified vendors from GPO Publish and solicit quotations.

• For orders up to $5,000, solicit a quotation from at least 1 vendor.
• For orders over $5,000, solicit quotations from at least 3 vendors.

Review quotations and award your order directly to the vendor. Supply the vendor with a signed SPA Work Order Form 4044 and any Government furnished material.

You must send a copy of the SPA Work Order Form 4044 to the SPA Administrator at [email protected].

Step 5: Document Any Modifications to Your Order

To process a change on an order, use the SPA Modification Form. This is required for any change that results in either increasing or decreasing the dollar amount on an order or a new delivery date.

You must send a copy of the original SPA Work Order Form 4044 with the SPA Modification Form to both the vendor and the SPA Administrator.

Notice: SPA users do not have authority to exceed the $10,000 SPA limit. Any change that may increase the total dollar amount of a SPA Work Order over $10,000 must be brought to the attention of the GPO Contracting Officer for consideration. If authorized, the GPO Contracting Officer will issue a modification to the vendor and provide the agency with a copy.

Step 6: Accept Delivery of Your Order

Supply the vendor with a signed, dated delivery receipt as proof of acceptance of your order. If you encounter quality concerns or if there is a problem with your order, contact your SPA Administrator for assistance.

GPO—not your agency—pays the vendor and sends you an invoice.

Vendors - How to Become a SPA Contractor

Step 1: Register as a Company in GPO Publish

If you are not already GPO registered as a contractor in GPO Publish, visit the How to Register page.

Step 2: Review the SPA Program

Download and review the SPA 1234-M agreement. This agreement is effective starting October 1, 2025. 

Step 3: Apply for the SPA in GPO Publish

Log in and apply for the SPA in the GPO Publish Simplified Purchase Agreement module.

Step 4: Respond to Requests for Quotations

Agencies participating in the SPA program will select certified vendors from the GPO Publish Simplified Purchase Agreement module and contact vendors directly to solicit a quotation.

If you are awarded the job, the agency will supply you with a signed SPA Work Order Form 4044 and any Government furnished material.

Step 5: Submit Your Invoice to GPO for Payment

Do not submit the invoice to the agency that awarded the job. Within 10 days after complete delivery, submit your invoice to GPO through the GPO fax gateway. A copy of the work order Form 4044, any modifications, and a signed, dated proof of delivery must be attached to the invoice.

Contact

For questions, contact Simplified Purchases at [email protected].

Federal Agencies and Vendors - Existing SPA Programs

GPO will terminate the existing SPA programs effective September 30, 2025. If you wish to participate on an existing SPA program prior to October 1, 2025, contact Simplified Purchases at [email protected].