SwVCC Business Office Publications

Purchasing Levels

The following table provides a brief summary of thresholds for purchases of goods, printing and nonprofessional services. These thresholds apply to all purchases regardless of the source of funds (state, local, federal).

Thresholds	Procedures
Up to $5,000	Obtain a minimum of one (1) quote from a DMBE-certified small business, if available. Use of the Small Purchase Charge Card is encouraged up to $5,000.
Over $5,000 to $50,000	Solicit a minimum of four (4) DMBE-certified small business sources, if available, in writing or electronically. Use quick quote for bids or quotes; or unsealed proposal methods to request proposals over $5,000 to $50,000.
Over $50,000; may be used for lesser amounts.	Unless set-aside for small businesses only (see 3.10g), solicit a minimum of six (6) sources, including a minimum of four (4) DMBE-certified small businesses, in writing, including electronically through eVA. If set-aside, solicit a minimum of six (6) DMBE-certified businesses, if available. Use one of the following methods for purchases over $50,000 unless an exception (see III. Below).: 1-Competitive sealed bidding. 2-Two-step competitive sealed bidding. 3-Competitive negotiation, including Best Value Acquisition. A written justification is required.

Emergency and sole source purchases of any amount require written justification and must be approved in advance by the President or Vice President of Financial & Administrative Services. In addition, sole source purchases over $50,000 require approval from the DGS/DPS.