These answers about New York State, New York City, CUNY and federal purchasing rules were written by a model running on a local machine, using only the rule documents. Every quote was checked against its source passage, and conflicts between sources are flagged with the date of each document.
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What is the general discretionary purchasing threshold for New York State agencies?
Answered matches the reference answer
The general discretionary purchasing threshold for New York State agencies is $50,000. This applies to purchases of commodities, services, and technology not available from Preferred Sources or OGS centralized contracts. Purchases up to this threshold are not subject to formal competitive bidding requirements but must comply with advertising and internal policy requirements.
The sources disagreeP1 (2025-08) states the MWBE/SDVOB threshold is $1,500,000 while P4 (2024-12) states it is $750,000; P1 is the newer document.
- NYS Discretionary Purchasing Guidelines, p. 3 · dated 2025-08
the discretionary buying threshold for commodities, services, and technology not available from Preferred Sources or from OGS centralized contracts is typically $50,000 for State agencies
- NYS Discretionary Purchasing Guidelines, p. 1 · dated 2025-08
It generally applies to purchases up to $50,000 (or up to $1,500,000 in certain instances, as described below) for commodities, services or technology
- NYS Discretionary Purchasing Guidelines, p. 3 · dated 2025-08
Purchases up to the discretionary buying threshold are not subject to the formal competitive bidding requirements set forth in New York State Finance Law
How much can a New York State agency buy from a certified SDVOB without formal competitive bidding?
Answered matches the reference answer
Under New York State rules, an agency can buy up to $1,500,000 from a certified SDVOB without formal competitive bidding. This is the discretionary purchasing threshold for purchases from New York State certified MWBEs or SDVOBs under State Finance Law §163(6). The 2025-08 NYS Discretionary Purchasing Guidelines state this $1,500,000 figure. Note that the 2024-12 OGS MWBE and SDVOB guide lists a $750,000 threshold for certified SDVOBs, but the newer 2025-08 guidelines specify $1,500,000.
The sources disagreeThe 2025-08 NYS Discretionary Purchasing Guidelines state the threshold for purchases from certified SDVOBs is $1,500,000, while the 2024-12 OGS MWBE and SDVOB guide states it is $750,000; the 2025-08 document is newer.
What is the New York State discretionary threshold for purchases from New York State small businesses?
Answered matches the reference answer
The New York State discretionary threshold for purchases from New York State small businesses is $500,000. This higher threshold applies under State Finance Law § 163 for purchases from New York State small businesses. Purchases up to this threshold are not subject to formal competitive bidding requirements but must comply with advertising and documentation rules.
What is the New York State discretionary threshold for buying food grown or produced in New York State?
Answered matches the reference answer
The New York State discretionary threshold for buying food grown or produced in New York State is $200,000. This higher threshold applies to purchases of food, including milk and milk products grown, produced or harvested in New York State. Purchases up to this threshold are not subject to formal competitive bidding requirements but must comply with advertising and documentation rules.
- NYS Discretionary Purchasing Guidelines, p. 3 · dated 2025-08
purchases of food, including milk and milk products grown, produced or harvested in New York State (NYS Foods) ($200,000)
- NYS Discretionary Purchasing Guidelines, p. 3 · dated 2025-08
Higher discretionary buying thresholds apply to purchases from New York State small businesses ($500,000), certified minority- and/or women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) ($1,500,000)
- NYS Discretionary Purchasing Guidelines, p. 5 · dated 2025-08
purchases up to $200,000 for commodities that are food (including milk and milk products) that are grown, produced or harvested in New York State
At what amount must a New York State agency's discretionary purchase be advertised in the NYS Contract Reporter?
Answered matches the reference answer
For New York State agencies, a discretionary purchase of $50,000 or more must be advertised in the New York State Contract Reporter. Purchases between $5,000 and $50,000 require quarterly NYS Contract Reporter ads. This rule is set by New York State under Economic Development Law § 141(3).
Above what amount do New York State agency contracts generally need prior approval from the State Comptroller?
Answered matches the reference answer
For New York State agency contracts, prior approval from the State Comptroller is generally required when the contract exceeds $50,000. This rule comes from State Finance Law § 112(2)(a) as cited in the NYS Discretionary Purchasing Guidelines. There are exceptions for OGS agency-specific or BSC contracts (approval required above $85,000) and OGS centralized contracts (approval required above $125,000).
What is the order of priority a New York State agency must follow when choosing how to buy something?
Answered matches the reference answer
New York State agencies must follow a four-step order of purchasing priority. First, they should use Preferred Source offerings; second, OGS centralized services and technology contracts or SDVOB set-asides; third, established agency or multi-agency contracts; and fourth, conduct their own procurement, including discretionary spending.
- NYS Procurement Guidelines, p. 8 · dated 2025-02
First: Preferred source offerings. Second: OGS centralized services and technology contracts
- OGS MWBE and SDVOB guide, p. 4 · dated 2024-12
First: Preferred Sources (DOCCS, Corcraft, NYS PSP, NYSID) Second: Centralized State Contracts (Commodity, Services & Technology), SDVOB Set-Aside
- OGS MWBE and SDVOB guide, p. 4 · dated 2024-12
Third: Agency or Multi-Agency Established Contracts - established by an agency/multiple agencies
- OGS MWBE and SDVOB guide, p. 4 · dated 2024-12
Fourth: Agency Conducts Its Own Procurement, Including Discretionary Spending ($50,000/$750,000 MWBE/SDVOB/SBE)
Who are New York State's preferred sources?
Answered matches the reference answer
New York State's preferred sources are the Correctional Industries Program (Corcraft), the New York State Preferred Source Program for People Who are Blind (NYSPSP), and the New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID). These organizations are designated under State Finance Law § 162 to advance special social and economic goals. Agencies must purchase from these sources when the desired commodity or service is available in the required form, function, and utility at a price no more than 15% above the prevailing market rate.
- NYS Procurement Guidelines, p. 10 · dated 2025-02
the Preferred Sources are (i) the Correctional Industries Program (known as “Corcraft”), which is run by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (“DOCCS”)
- NYS Procurement Guidelines, p. 10 · dated 2025-02
(ii) the New York State Preferred Source Program for People Who are Blind (“NYSPSP”); and (iii) the New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (“NYSID”)
- NYC Charter § 112 (in NYS Procurement Guidelines), p. 45 · dated 2025-02
The New York State Preferred Sources include: Corcraft; New York State Preferred Source Program for New Yorkers Who are Blind (NYSPSP); and New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc.
- NYS Procurement Guidelines, p. 10 · dated 2025-02
the price is no more than 15% above the prevailing market rate (or, in the case of Corcraft, the price of the commodity does not exceed a reasonable, fair market rate as determined by DOCCS)
When can a New York State agency run an SDVOB set-aside procurement?
Answered matches the reference answer
A New York State agency may conduct an SDVOB set-aside procurement at any time after considering a Preferred Source, without having to comply with the order of priority for selecting a procurement method. This is stated in the New York State Procurement Guidelines, which note that an agency may conduct an SDVOB set-aside procurement at any time after considering a Preferred Source. The guidelines also indicate that SDVOB set-asides are part of the order of purchasing priority, specifically at the second and third levels.
- NYS Procurement Guidelines, p. 8 · dated 2025-02
An Agency may conduct an SDVOB set-aside procurement at any time after considering a Preferred Source without having to comply with the order of priority for selecting a procurement set forth below.
- OGS MWBE and SDVOB guide, p. 2 · dated 2024-12
Second: Centralized State Contracts (Commodity, Services & Technology), SDVOB Set-Aside
What is the NYC micropurchase limit for goods and services?
Answered matches the reference answer
The New York City micropurchase limit for goods and all services except construction is $20,000 or less. For procurements of construction, the micropurchase limit is $35,000 or less. Under this rule, no competition is required for purchases below these limits.
- NYC PPB Rules § 3-08, p. 92 · dated 2026-06
For procurements of goods and all services except construction the value of which is $20,000 or less
What is the NYC micropurchase limit for construction?
Answered matches the reference answer
The New York City micropurchase limit for construction is $35,000. Under NYC PPB Rules § 3-08, procurements of construction valued at $35,000 or less do not require competition. This is distinct from the micropurchase limit for goods and all services except construction, which is $20,000.
- NYC PPB Rules § 3-08, p. 92 · dated 2026-06
for procurements of construction the value of which is $35,000 or less, no competition is required
What is the New York City small purchase limit?
Answered matches the reference answer
The New York City small purchase limit is $100,000. This limit applies to procurements of goods and services, with a separate threshold for construction. The rule is established by the New York City Procurement Policy Board (PPB) Rules.
What is the NYC M/WBE noncompetitive small purchase limit?
Answered matches the reference answer
The NYC M/WBE noncompetitive small purchase limit is $1,500,000. This rule is established by the New York City Charter and implemented through NYC PPB Rules, which allow agencies to make procurements from certified M/WBE vendors without a formal competitive process up to this amount.
- NYC Charter § 311 (in NYC PPB Rules), p. 182 · dated 2026-06
agencies may make procurements of goods, services and construction for amounts not exceeding one million five hundred thousand dollars from businesses certified as minority or women-owned business enterprises
- NYC PPB Rules § 3-08, p. 92 · dated 2026-06
No competition is required for the procurement of goods, services, and construction from M/WBE vendors
For an NYC small purchase above the micropurchase limit, how many vendors must be solicited from the bidders list?
Answered matches the reference answer
For an NYC small purchase above the micropurchase limit, at least five vendors must be solicited from the appropriate citywide small purchases bidders list. If the bidders list consists of fewer than five vendors, all vendors on the list must be solicited. This rule is set by New York City.
- NYC PPB Rules § 3-08, p. 92 · dated 2026-06
at least five vendors must be solicited at random from the appropriate citywide small purchases bidders list established by the CCPO
- NYC PPB Rules § 3-08, p. 92 · dated 2026-06
except where the bidders list consists of fewer than five vendors, in which case all vendors on the list must be solicited
How many price quotes must an NYC contracting officer try to get for an M/WBE small purchase?
Answered matches the reference answer
For an M/WBE small purchase, a New York City contracting officer must attempt to obtain at least three price quotes from M/WBE vendors or document their inability to do so. This rule is found in the NYC PPB Rules for small purchases.
- NYC PPB Rules § 3-08, p. 92 · dated 2026-06
the Contracting Officer must attempt to obtain at least three price quotes from M/WBE vendors or document their inability to do so
Can New York City agencies use the M/WBE small purchase method for human services?
Answered matches the reference answer
No, New York City agencies cannot use the M/WBE small purchase method for human services. The NYC PPB Rules explicitly prohibit agencies from making purchases pursuant to the M/WBE small purchase subparagraph for human services. This rule is part of New York City's procurement regulations.
- NYC PPB Rules § 3-08, p. 93 · dated 2026-06
Additionally, agencies shall not make purchases pursuant to this subparagraph for human services.
- NYC PPB Rules § 3-08, p. 93 · dated 2026-06
No competition is required for the procurement of goods, services, and construction from M/WBE vendors
Below what amount can CUNY use informal purchasing methods for general purchases?
Answered matches the reference answer
CUNY may use informal purchasing methods for general purchases that are less than $250,000. This rule is set by CUNY's Procurement Policy and Procedures (2019). The policy also notes that the State Comptroller may authorize a different amount.
How many written quotes does CUNY require for purchases between $20,000 and $50,000?
Answered matches the reference answer
CUNY requires a minimum of three written quotes for purchases between $20,000 and $50,000. This rule is set forth in the CUNY Procurement Policy (2019). The policy states that for purchases of $20,000 or more but less than $50,000, Purchasing Departments must obtain a minimum of three written quotes from vendors.
- CUNY Procurement Policy (2019), p. 8 · dated 2019-12
For purchases of $20,000 or more but less than $50,000, Purchasing Departments must obtain a minimum of three written quotes from vendors.
Up to what amount can CUNY use informal purchasing methods when buying from a certified SDVOB?
Answered matches the reference answer
CUNY may use informal purchasing methods for purchases up to $500,000 when the award is made to a New York State-certified SDVOB. This enhanced threshold applies under CUNY's procurement policy, which authorizes informal methods for purchases up to $500,000 from NYS-certified MWBEs or SDVOBs. The general informal purchasing threshold for CUNY is $250,000, but the enhanced limit applies specifically to these certified vendors.
- CUNY Procurement Policy (2019), p. 7 · dated 2019-12
when an award is made to a New York State small business or a New York State-certified MWBE or SDVOB, or when the University is purchasing recycled or remanufactured commodities or technology, Purchasing Departments may use Informal Purchasing Methods for purchases up to $500,000
- CUNY Procurement Policy (2019), p. 7 · dated 2019-12
Purchasing Departments may use Informal Purchasing Methods for general purchases that are less than $250,000
When does CUNY consider a price fair and reasonable?
Answered matches the reference answer
CUNY considers a price fair and reasonable if it is within 15% of the lowest current price offered from other responsive vendors or within 15% of another current pricing indicator used by the University. If an award is made to a vendor whose price is greater than, but within 15% of, the lowest current offered price or other pricing indicator, the Purchasing Department must document the rationale for selecting that vendor in the procurement record.
- CUNY Procurement Policy (2019), p. 8 · dated 2019-12
The University has determined a price to be fair and reasonable if it is within 15% of the lowest current price offered from other responsive vendors or within 15% of the other current pricing indicator used by the University.
- CUNY Procurement Policy (2019), p. 8 · dated 2019-12
In the event an award is made to a responsive and responsible vendor whose price is greater than (but within 15% of) the lowest current offered price or other current pricing indicator available, the Purchasing Department must maintain documentation in the procurement record of the rationale for the selection of the vendor.
What is the federal micro-purchase threshold?
Answered matches the reference answer
The federal micro-purchase threshold is $15,000. This rule is defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 2.101. The threshold has specific exceptions, such as $2,000 for construction and $2,500 for services subject to the Service Contract Labor Standards.
- FAR 2.101 · dated 2026-10
Micro-purchase threshold means $15,000, except it means- (1) For acquisitions of construction subject to 40 U.S.C. chapter 31, subchapter IV, Wage Rate Requirements (Construction), $2,000;
What is the federal simplified acquisition threshold?
Answered matches the reference answer
The federal simplified acquisition threshold is $350,000. This rule is defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 2.101. The threshold can be higher, such as $1 million for certain contingency operations or emergency responses.
- FAR 2.101 · dated 2026-10
Simplified acquisition threshold means $350,000, except for—
When can a federal contracting officer set aside an acquisition for SDVOSB concerns?
Answered matches the reference answer
Under federal rules, a contracting officer may set aside an acquisition for SDVOSB concerns when there is a reasonable expectation, based on market research, that at least two responsible SDVOSBs will submit offers and the award can be made at a fair market price. For non-VA procurements, the officer must first determine that the requirement is not excluded from SDVOSB contracting under 13 CFR 128.403, and must consider SDVOSB set-asides before considering small business set-asides or sole source awards.
- 13 CFR 128.404 · dated 2026-10-01
Have a reasonable expectation that at least two responsible SDVOSBs will submit offers; and
- 13 CFR 128.404 · dated 2026-10-01
Determine that the award can be made at fair market price.
- 13 CFR 128.404 · dated 2026-10-01
For non-VA procurements, the contracting officer first must review a requirement to determine whether it is excluded from SDVOSB contracting pursuant to § 128.403.
- FAR 19.1405 · dated 2026-10
Shall consider SDVOSB set-asides before considering SDVOSB sole source awards (see 19.1406) or small business set-asides (see subpart 19.5).
What is the largest sole-source award a federal agency can make to an SDVOSB for a requirement outside manufacturing?
Answered matches the reference answer
Under federal rules, the largest sole-source award a contracting officer can make to an SDVOSB for a requirement outside manufacturing is $5 million. This limit applies when the anticipated award price, including options, does not exceed that amount for any NAICS code other than manufacturing. The rule is found in FAR 19.1406, which governs sole source awards to SDVOSB concerns.
The sources disagree13 CFR 128.405 sets the non-manufacturing sole-source limit at $4,000,000 while FAR 19.1406 sets it at $5 million for the same federal SDVOSB sole-source situation; both documents are dated 2026-10/2026-10-01 so neither is clearly newer.
- FAR 19.1406 · dated 2026-10
(ii) $5 million for a requirement within any other NAICS code;
What share of a business must service-disabled veterans own and control for SBA SDVOSB certification?
Answered matches the reference answer
For SBA SDVOSB certification, one or more service-disabled veterans must unconditionally and directly own at least 51 percent of the concern. The same service-disabled veterans must also control both the long-term decision-making and day-to-day operations of the business. This is a federal rule under 13 CFR part 128.
- 13 CFR 128.202 · dated 2026-10-01
To qualify as a SDVOSB, one or more service-disabled veterans must unconditionally and directly own at least 51 percent of the concern.
- 13 CFR 128.203 · dated 2026-10-01
Control by one or more qualifying veterans means that one or more qualifying veterans controls both the long-term decision-making and the day-to-day operations of the Applicant or Participant.
How often must a certified SDVOSB recertify with SBA?
Answered matches the reference answer
Under federal rules, a certified SDVOSB must recertify its eligibility with the SBA every 3 years. Participants may submit their recertification within 90 calendar days before the end of their eligibility period, and if they miss that window, SBA will reinstate them if they recertify within 30 days after the eligibility period ends.
- 13 CFR 128.306 · dated 2026-10-01
Any Participant seeking to remain certified must recertify its eligibility every 3 years.
- 13 CFR 128.306 · dated 2026-10-01
Participants may recertify within 90 calendar days prior to the termination of their eligibility period.
- 13 CFR 128.306 · dated 2026-10-01
if a concern is able to recertify its eligibility within 30 days of the end of its eligibility period, SBA will reinstate
Under SBA's VetCert rules, can the spouse or permanent caregiver of a veteran with a permanent and total disability control an SDVOSB?
Answered matches the reference answer
Yes, under SBA's VetCert rules, the spouse or permanent caregiver of a service-disabled veteran with a permanent and total disability can control an SDVOSB. This is permitted when the veteran is unable to manage the daily business operations of the concern, and the spouse or caregiver must reside in the United States. The rule requires that the management and daily business operations of the concern be controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans, with this specific exception for permanent and severe disability cases.
- 13 CFR 128.203 · dated 2026-10-01
in the case of a veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran
- 13 CFR 128.200 · dated 2026-10-01
in the case of a veteran with a disability that is rated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as a permanent and total disability who are unable to manage the daily business operations
- 13 CFR 128.102 · dated 2026-10-01
Service-disabled veteran with a permanent and severe disability means a veteran with a service-connected disability that has been determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs
What is the micro-purchase threshold for California state agencies?
Not in these sources matches the reference answer
The provided passages do not contain information about the micro-purchase threshold for California state agencies. The available documents cover federal procurement rules and New York State purchasing guidelines, but do not address California state agency thresholds.
What is the public bidding threshold for New Jersey counties?
Not in these sources matches the reference answer
The provided passages do not contain information about public bidding thresholds for New Jersey counties. The documents cover procurement rules for New York State, New York City, and CUNY.
What hourly rate should a software developer charge New York City?
Not in these sources matches the reference answer
The provided passages do not specify an hourly rate for a software developer to charge New York City. They cover general procurement rules, proposal requirements, and definitions for New York State and New York City agencies.