Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request (MIPR)
A Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request (MIPR) is a funding document used by the Department of Defense to transfer funds between DoD components for the procurement of goods or services. It formalizes an internal request and authorizes another DoD activity to perform work or acquire items on behalf of the requesting organization.
What Is a Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request?
A Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request, or MIPR, is a funding document used by the Department of Defense to transfer funds between DoD components for the procurement of goods or services. It formalizes an internal request and authorizes another DoD activity to perform work or acquire items on behalf of the requesting organization.
Key Characteristics
Used exclusively within the Department of Defense
Transfers funds between DoD components or services
Identifies requesting and performing activities
Includes detailed funding and accounting data
May be direct cite or reimbursable
How It Works in Government Contracting
Where it appears in the procurement lifecycle
A MIPR is typically used during the funding and acquisition planning phase. It allows one DoD component to provide funds to another to execute a requirement.
Who uses it
Program offices, contracting activities, financial management offices, and authorized officials within the Department of Defense use MIPRs.
Why it matters
It enables interservice support and efficient use of DoD capabilities. Instead of issuing a new contract, one component can leverage another's existing contract vehicle or expertise.
Practical application
For example, if the U.S. Army needs specialized engineering services and the U.S. Navy has an existing contract and technical capability, the Army may issue a MIPR to the Navy. The Navy then executes the requirement using transferred funds.
Regulatory Framework
MIPRs are governed primarily by:
The Economy Act, 31 U.S.C. § 1535
The Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 17.5, Interagency Acquisitions
The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement
DoD Financial Management Regulation
These authorities define when interagency or intra-agency transfers are permissible and how funds must be obligated and recorded.
Why It Matters for Contractors
Contractors may receive tasking or funding that originates from another DoD component via a MIPR. This can expand market access within DoD without a new standalone contract.
Funding source, fiscal year limitations, and scope must align with the underlying contract and statutory authority.
Understanding MIPRs helps contractors identify cross-service opportunities and partnerships within DoD.
Risk Considerations: Improper use of funds or misalignment with Economy Act requirements can delay funding or create audit exposure.
Common Misconceptions
A MIPR is a contract with a private company.
It is an internal DoD funding document, not a contract with a private entity.
A MIPR automatically creates new scope.
Work must align with existing contractual authority.
A MIPR is the same as a purchase order.
It transfers funds, but execution may occur through a separate contract action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a MIPR the same as an interagency agreement?
Not exactly. A MIPR is a DoD-specific funding document often used under Economy Act authority. Interagency agreements may involve civilian agencies.
Can a MIPR be modified?
Yes. Funding amounts, scope references, or performance details can be adjusted through formal modification.
What is the difference between direct cite and reimbursable MIPR?
Direct cite allows the performing activity to obligate the requesting agency's funds directly. Reimbursable requires the performing activity to use its own funds and then seek reimbursement.
Do contractors submit MIPRs?
No. Only authorized DoD personnel issue and accept MIPRs.
Related Government Contracting Topics
Economy Act: A statute authorizing federal agencies to place orders with other agencies for goods or services.
Interagency Acquisition: An acquisition where one agency uses another agency's contract or capabilities to fulfill a requirement.
Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 17: The FAR section governing interagency and intra-agency acquisitions.
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: DoD-specific regulations supplementing the FAR, including provisions for MIPR usage.
Funding Authorization Document: A general term for documents used to authorize and transfer funds, of which MIPR is one type.
Intra-Governmental Support Agreement: An agreement between government entities for support services, similar in concept to a MIPR.
MIPRs are essential for enabling inter-service support and leveraging existing DoD capabilities. For contractors, understanding MIPRs helps identify cross-service opportunities and ensures compliance with funding source and scope requirements when work originates from another DoD component.