The Purchasing Office is pleased to announce the updated competitive requirements as they relate to the purchase of goods and services. The state of North Carolina has modified legislation related to procurement activities for the first time since 1979. As a result, effective March 1, 2022, 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. The Purchasing Office will conduct an informal solicitation process using the state-mandated Request for Quote document for goods and services purchases that are in excess of $25,000 but do not exceed $100,000. The formal solicitation process using either a sealed Invitation for Bid or Request for Proposal process will be utilized for purchases that are expected to exceed $100,000.
Updated Purchasing Manual — In alignment with this change to the North Carolina Administrative Code, the 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.
We are excited about the new competition requirements released by the state and look forward to working with campus departments using the new dollar thresholds that are much more aligned to the current business marketplace.
Please consult the updated Purchasing Manual or reach out to your assigned purchasing agent with any questions.