Simplified Acquisition Procedures(SAP)
Streamlined procurement procedures for acquisitions below the simplified acquisition threshold, reducing administrative burden for low-dollar buys.
Overview
Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are the streamlined procurement rules that apply to purchases below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (currently $250,000 for most acquisitions, higher for certain commercial items). SAP reduces competition and documentation requirements compared to full-and-open competition, enabling faster procurement of routine needs.
Why It Matters in GovCon
SAP represents a high-volume segment of government buying. Small businesses and new entrants often find SAP procurements more accessible — shorter response times, simpler proposals, and lower barriers to entry. Building past performance through SAP awards positions you for larger opportunities. GSA Schedule and BPA orders often use SAP.
Key Details
- Threshold: $250,000 for most acquisitions; $7.5 million for commercial items under certain conditions.
- FAR Part 13: Governs simplified acquisition procedures.
- Competition: Requires competition "to the maximum extent practicable" but allows flexible approaches.
- Commercial Items: FAR Part 12 commercial item procedures are often used with SAP.
- Micro-Purchase: Purchases under $10,000 (micro-purchase threshold) have even more flexibility.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data surfaces simplified acquisition opportunities alongside larger procurements, helping you build a diverse pipeline of accessible contracts for revenue and past performance.
Related Terms
- Simplified Acquisition Threshold
- Request for Quotation (RFQ)
- GSA Schedule
- Purchase Card (P-Card)
More Acquisition Terms
A payment method where the government transfers funds electronically to contractor bank accounts.
A 1994 law that simplified federal procurement by raising thresholds, reducing paperwork, and promoting commercial item acquisition.
The predecessor to SAM.gov; the legacy system where federal solicitations were posted (replaced by beta.SAM.gov).
A formal review gate in the acquisition process where senior leadership decides whether a program may proceed to the next phase, requires changes, or should be terminated.
Written narrative responses that describe a candidate or contractor capability in specific areas, historically used in federal hiring and some proposal evaluations.
Goods and services used to maintain, repair, and operate facilities and equipment — a major category of government procurement.
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