Federal Contracting Glossary
Simplified Acquisition
A streamlined federal buying process under FAR Part 13 for requirements at or below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, with lighter procedures.
Definition
Simplified acquisition refers to the streamlined methods under FAR Part 13 that agencies use for requirements at or below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT). These procedures reduce administrative burden — fewer required clauses, more flexible competition requirements, and faster award — so the government can buy lower-dollar supplies and services efficiently, often via RFQs and purchase orders.
Simplified acquisitions are reserved to the maximum extent practicable for small businesses, which makes them an accessible on-ramp for firms newer to federal contracting. The acquisition of commercial items can use simplified procedures up to higher dollar thresholds. Smaller competitive fields and lighter documentation mean faster decisions and a strong entry point for building a federal past-performance record.
How this affects your proposal
Simplified acquisitions are a strong fit for newer or smaller firms — they are largely reserved for small business and move quickly. Watch SAM.gov for these opportunities and keep your responses lean and price-credible rather than treating them like a full Part 15 proposal.
Common questions about simplified acquisition
What is the Simplified Acquisition Threshold?
A dollar ceiling defined in the FAR below which agencies may use simplified procedures. The figure is updated periodically for inflation, and higher thresholds can apply to commercial-item buys and certain contingencies.
Are simplified acquisitions less competitive?
Often the fields are smaller and the procedures lighter, and many are set aside for small business — which makes them an easier place to win early federal work, especially with relevant references and a local presence.
Related terms
Negotiated Procurement
A federal acquisition conducted under FAR Part 15, where the agency may hold discussion…
Unique Entity ID (UEI)
The 12-character identifier assigned in SAM.gov that uniquely identifies your business …
Small Business Offeror
An offeror that qualifies as a small business under the SBA size standard for the solic…
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