What is the micro-purchase threshold?

The micro-purchase threshold is the dollar amount below which federal agencies can make purchases without obtaining competitive quotations: **Current thresholds (2024):** - General supplies and services: $10,000 - Construction: $2,000 - Higher education research: $10,000 - Services supporting contingency: $20,000 **Key characteristics:** - No competition required - Government purchase cards commonly used - Single quotation sufficient - Simplified documentation - Immediate purchase authority for cardholders **Benefits for small vendors:** - No proposal writing required - Quick decisions and fast payment - No formal solicitation process - Building relationships with buyers - Can lead to larger opportunities **How agencies use micro-purchases:** - Office supplies and equipment - Minor repairs and maintenance - Training and conferences - Software licenses - Small equipment purchases **For contractors:** - Market directly to purchase cardholders - GSA Advantage for online visibility - Focus on convenience and availability - Competitive pricing still matters - Build relationships at the user level **Limitations:** - Cannot split purchases to stay under threshold - Must be fair and reasonable prices - Should rotate among vendors - Audit trail still required **Getting micro-purchase business:** - Register on GSA Advantage if applicable - Contact agency small business offices - Attend vendor outreach events - Focus on quality and responsiveness