Simplified Acquisition Procedures
Simplified acquisition procedures cover the enormous volume of smaller federal purchases. Requirements between the micro-purchase threshold and the simplified acquisition threshold are generally reserved for small businesses, which makes this the most accessible entry point in federal contracting.
- Who can bid
- Any responsible vendor, with small business reservation up to defined thresholds
- Authority
- FAR Part 13
- Typical thresholds
- Generally up to $250,000, with higher thresholds in defined circumstances
- Where to search
- SAM.gov set-aside filter
Key takeaways
- Set-asides shrink the field — your real competition is often three to eight firms, not fifty.
- Limitations on subcontracting apply: you must perform the required share of the work yourself.
- Eligibility is determined as of your initial offer including price, so certifications must be current at submission.
- Ineligible bids are protestable, and size or status protests are common in tight competitions.
How the set-aside works
Contracting officers can solicit informally, evaluate quickly, and award with far less documentation than a FAR Part 15 source selection. Most awards are based on a short quote with price and minimal technical narrative.
Finding these opportunities
Many of these buys are posted on SAM.gov as combined synopsis/solicitations, and others move through GSA eBuy or agency purchase-card channels. Set daily alerts, because response windows are often under two weeks.
Competing and winning
Optimize for responsiveness and completeness rather than proposal polish. Quote exactly what was asked for, in the format requested, with all required representations filled in — most simplified acquisition losses are administrative rejections, not competitive losses.
FAQ
What is the micro-purchase threshold?
Generally $10,000, below which purchases can be made without competition using purchase cards.
Are these reserved for small business?
Acquisitions between the micro-purchase and simplified acquisition thresholds are generally reserved for small businesses.
Do I need a full proposal?
Usually not. A compliant quote with pricing and minimal technical detail is typical.
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