Simplified Acquisition (SAT)
Federal procurement procedures under FAR Part 13 for purchases below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (currently $250,000 for most agencies).
Definition
The Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) is the dollar limit below which federal agencies can use streamlined Simplified Acquisition Procedures: shorter response times, less formal documentation, RFQ-based solicitation, and award by purchase order. The SAT is currently $250,000 for most procurement and $750,000 for contingency and disaster operations. Below the SAT, agencies are also encouraged to set aside acquisitions for small business when two or more small businesses are reasonably expected to compete.
When it applies
For vendors, SAT-range contracts are the most accessible entry point to federal contracting — particularly for small businesses without the past performance to compete for larger awards. Response windows are typically 7-21 days for these RFQs.