Small Purchase Procedures and Thresholds
The Purchasing and Contracting Advisory Council established thresholds that trigger formal bidding procedures in the areas of Materiel and Non-Professional Services, Public Works, and Professional Services. State agencies are only required to use the formal bidding procedures when a purchase is made in an amount that exceeds the threshold limit.
Materiel and Non-Professional Services
- Less than $50,000 – Open Market Purchase
- $50,000 - $99,999.99 – 3 Written Quotes
- $100,000 and over – Formal Bid
In the case of Materiel and Non-Professional Services, the dollar amount identified by the Purchasing and Advisory Council is a yearly cumulative limit. The dollar amount identified for Public Works and Professional Services are on a contract by contract basis, for which contracts shall not be fragmented to avoid reaching the dollar amount, and annual thresholds do not apply.
Public Works
- Less than $150,000 – Open Market Purchase
- $150,000 - $249,999.99 – 3 Letter Bids
- $250,000 and over – Formal Bid
Professional Services
- Less than $150,000 – Open Market
- $150,000 and over – Formal RFP Process
Effective July 1, 2024
- Less than $100,000 – Open Market
- $100,000 - $149,999.99 – 3 Letter Bids
- $150,000 and over – Formal RFP Process
Covered agencies shall exclusively use central contracts as defined by Delaware Code, Title 29 Section 6911(d), when Government Support Services' contracts are available. Thus, open market purchases are only permitted for those items not already under contract.
Agencies may institute policies which are more restrictive than those established either by the Delaware Code or by the Purchasing and Advisory Council. If you have any questions regarding these purchasing requirements, please contact Courtney Strickland.
REMINDER: Vendors supplying goods or services through contract and/or the open market purchase processes are subject to minimum mandatory insurance requirements. Vendors may also require a Delaware Business License as identified by the Division of Revenue.
