The fastest way into federal contracting often isn’t a big RFP. It’s a micro-purchase: a small buy that a government employee can make with little paperwork, often using a government purchase card.
The new micro-purchase threshold
On October 1, 2025, the federal micro-purchase threshold rose from $10,000 to $15,000. For most purchases at or below that amount, a buyer doesn’t need to run a formal competition. The simplified acquisition threshold also rose, from $250,000 to $350,000.
Some types of purchases have lower limits. For example, construction and certain service purchases subject to labor standards have their own thresholds.
Why micro-purchases matter for new contractors
- Speed. Buyers can purchase in days, not months.
- Little paperwork. No lengthy proposal is required.
- Past performance. Every completed purchase is a federal reference you can cite later.
- Relationships. Cardholders who like working with you buy again, and they tell contracting officers about you.
How to win micro-purchases
- Accept credit cards. Most micro-purchases are paid with a government purchase card.
- Register in SAM.gov. Many agencies prefer or require it, and it makes you easier to find. Start with our UEI guide.
- Find the buyers. Contact the local offices of federal agencies, military installations and federal facilities near you.
- Make buying easy. Publish clear prices, package offers under $15,000 and respond within a day.
- Bring a one-page capability statement that lists your services, pricing basics, UEI and CAGE code.
- Follow up after delivery. Ask for a reference, and ask what the office buys next.
Next steps after micro-purchases
Once you have a few federal references, move up to purchases under the simplified acquisition threshold. Most of those are reserved for small businesses. Certifications like WOSB and HUBZone open even more doors. See what certification unlocks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the federal micro-purchase threshold in 2026?
$15,000 for most purchases. It rose from $10,000 on October 1, 2025. Some construction and service purchases have lower limits.
Do I need to be registered in SAM.gov for micro-purchases?
Not always, but many agencies prefer or require it, and registration makes you easier to find and pay.
How do government employees pay for micro-purchases?
Most use a government purchase card, which works like a business credit card, so your business should accept card payments.
What is the simplified acquisition threshold?
$350,000 since October 1, 2025. Purchases between the micro-purchase threshold and this amount are generally reserved for small businesses when two or more capable small firms are expected to compete.
Work with GERC
We register new businesses in SAM.gov, build capability statements and help them win their first federal purchases. GERC is a woman-owned firm in San Bernardino, registered in SAM.gov under CAGE code 11SD2 and certified by the State of California as a Small Business (Micro) and a Small Business for Public Works (SB-PW). Book a consultation or see our capability statement.