DA Form 3953: Purchase Request and Commitment Guide

DA Form 3953: Purchase Request and Commitment Guide – DA Form 3953, officially titled Purchase Request and Commitment, is a key U.S. Army procurement document. It formalizes requests for supplies, equipment, materials, or services unavailable through standard Army supply channels. U.S. Army units and personnel primarily use it for local purchases when normal requisition processes cannot meet mission needs in a timely manner.

Download the official DA Form 3953 PDF here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A3953.pdf

What Is DA Form 3953 and Its Purpose?

The form serves three primary purposes:

• Initiating the procurement process with a documented bona fide need.
• Certifying fund availability and proper chargeability.
• Documenting required approvals and signatures.

It acts as a communication tool between requesting units and procurement/contracting offices. This ensures justification, funding, and compliance with regulations like those in DFAS-IN 37-1.

Units use DA Form 3953 for local purchases when items are:

• Unavailable through U.S. Government supply sources.
• Needed sooner than standard channels can provide (impacting mission accomplishment).
• Authorized for purchase under applicable rules.

A supporting memorandum of justification (often signed by the unit commander or primary staff officer) is typically required. This explains the mission impact and why standard channels are insufficient. Legal review may also apply depending on the command and amount.

When to Use DA Form 3953?

Use the form for:

• Local procurement of supplies, equipment, or services.
• Situations requiring purchases outside regular Army supply systems (e.g., emergencies or non-standard items).
• Government Purchase Card (GPC) support or contracting actions in some cases.
• Documenting commitments against specific funds.

It is not for standard supply requisitions through normal channels. Recent Army guidance (including 2024-2026 references) continues to reference it for accountable equipment, dining facility support, and operational purchases.

Note: The form edition is dated MAR 1991. It remains actively used and available on official Army sites as of 2026.

How to Fill Out DA Form 3953: Step-by-Step Instructions?

Accurate completion prevents delays. Key blocks include:

• Top Section (Purchase Instrument No., Requisition No., Date, Page of ): Assign tracking numbers and date the request.
• Block 3-4: Date and contracting office.
• Blocks 6-7: Initiating unit/officer and requesting activity details.
• Block 8: Property Book Office (PBO) and address (if applicable).
• Block 9: Required delivery date (avoid “ASAP”; be specific).
• Block 10-11: Point of contact name and phone.
• Blocks 12-13: Authorization documents (e.g., relevant regulations or mission needs).
• Blocks 14-18: Detailed item descriptions, quantities, units of issue, estimated unit/total costs, and suggested sources. For items over $2,500, provide three sources or a sole-source justification per FAR.
• Block 19-22: Fund certification (allotments, availability, and certification signatures).
• Block 25: Purpose statement explaining the need for local purchase and mission impact.
• Signatures: Initiating officer, approving authority (thresholds vary by amount, e.g., LTC/COL/GO), PBO/supply officer, and fund certifier. Initiator, supply, and approver must typically be different individuals.

Tips:

• Separate PBO and non-PBO items.
• Include shipping costs and detailed specifications/SOW.
• Maintain copies per unit and budget office requirements.

Approval Process and Routing

1. Initiator completes the form and justification.
2. Obtain approvals (PBO, commander/staff, fund certification).
3. Route to budget analyst and contracting office.
4. Contracting processes the purchase.

Higher-value requests may require additional reviews (e.g., Coalition Acquisition Review Board or command-specific boards).

Key Regulations and Compliance

Follow guidance from:

• DFAS-IN 37-1.
• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) for sourcing/competition.
• Army-specific policies on fiscal law, ethics, and accountable property.
• Command supplements (e.g., ARCENT or local SOPs).

Proper use ensures fiscal accountability, prevents Anti-Deficiency Act violations, and supports mission readiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague descriptions or missing justifications.
• Using “ASAP” for required dates.
• Inadequate fund certification.
• Combining PBO and non-PBO items.
• Missing multiple sources for higher-value items.
• Incorrect signature authorities.

Download and Resources

Official Form: DA Form 3953 PDF

For the latest guidance, consult your unit resource manager, contracting office, or official Army publications. Policies can vary by command and theater.

This standardized process helps U.S. Army units efficiently acquire mission-essential items while maintaining accountability and compliance. Proper use of DA Form 3953 supports operational effectiveness and responsible stewardship of funds.