Small-dollar purchase threshold is now $25,000

Effective March 1, the North Carolina Administrative Code for procurement increased the small-dollar purchase threshold to $25,000. This means that purchases of goods and services up to that dollar amount that are not available on a State Term Contract may be completed without seeking competition.

While not required, departments are still encouraged to seek quotes for small dollar purchases to ensure prices are fair, reasonable and making the most efficient use of available funds. Competition is now required once the total cost exceeds the $25,000 threshold. The Purchasing Office will continue to assist departments with this endeavor by coordinating the documentation required by the state to substantiate competition that was sought for these purchases.

In alignment with this change to the North Carolina Administrative Code, the University’s Purchasing Office has released an updated and expanded Purchasing Manual that is now available on the purchasing website. The updated manual contains information on these new competition thresholds along with detailed information about the competitive solicitation processes that will be coordinated by the Purchasing Office.