Small Purchase Procedures and Thresholds
The Purchasing and Contracting Advisory Council has established thresholds for goods and services not covered under an existing contract. These thresholds are divided into three categories—Materiel and Non-Professional Services, Public Works, and Professional Services—with distinct dollar limits for each. Formal bidding procedures are required only when a purchase exceeds the applicable threshold.
When contracts administered by Government Support Services are available, covered agencies must use these central contracts exclusively, as defined in Delaware Code, Title 29, Section 6911(d). Open market purchases are permitted solely for items not already under contract. Agencies may also adopt procurement policies that are more restrictive than those set forth in the Delaware Code or by the Purchasing and Contracting Advisory Council.
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
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
Not less than one quote must be sought from a Certified Diverse vendor. Refer to memo below for additional details.
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.
