Simplified acquisition threshold (SAT)
Also called: SAT, simplified acquisition, simplified acquisition procedures, SAP
The simplified acquisition threshold is the dollar limit, set in FAR 2.101, below which agencies may use the streamlined buying procedures of FAR Part 13 instead of full sealed bidding or negotiated procurement.
Buys above the micro-purchase threshold and at or below the SAT are reserved for small businesses under FAR 19.502-2(a) unless the contracting officer cannot find two capable small sources, which makes this band the natural starting point for a new firm. Procedures are lighter: RFQs instead of RFPs, oral or written quotes, purchase orders, and evaluation on price and a few factors. The threshold is adjusted for inflation every five years under FAR 1.109 and is higher for certain contingency and disaster buys.
What to check: the current figure in FAR 2.101 rather than a number you read on a blog, whether the notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation under FAR 12.603, and whether the buy is on SAM.gov at all (FAR 5.101 lets some buys under the SAT go to a smaller audience).
What it is not: a limit on your company. It limits the procedure the agency uses, not the size of contract you may hold.
See also: Micro-purchase threshold (MPT), Request for Quotation (RFQ), Set-aside, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
Questions that use this term
Search allHey everyone, I'm new to federal contracting. My shop does signs and printing, and we're just starting to bid on federal RFQs. My APEX Accelerator...
Hey everyone, I run a small business distributing janitorial products and other supplies. We got registered in SAM.gov a few months ago and have been...
Jordan, a postaward debriefing can tell you whether your price was too high, but not how it compared to other specific offerors. The contracting...
CMMC Level 1 is a self-assessment that requires you to assess and attest to your compliance with the 15 requirements of FAR 52.204-21, Basic...
A local preference clause gives an advantage to businesses located within a specific geographic area, and its exact application depends entirely on...
For many firms under 50 people, standard office productivity suites and disciplined file management are sufficient for proposal development, even for...
A teaming request post on govcon.forum should state the role you are looking for, the relevant NAICS code, your company's certifications, the general...