Ep. 7 - From Micro-Purchases to Formal Solicitations: 2 CFR 200 Procurement Standards

In this episode of Grants Management Experts, Jasmine dives into one of the most practical — and often misunderstood — areas of federal grant management: procurement standards under 2 CFR 200.320. Whether you’re a recipient, subrecipient, or grants professional supporting compliance, understanding procurement methods is critical for both cost allowability and audit readiness.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe three procurement methods:Informal (micro-purchases & simplified acquisitions)Formal (sealed bids & proposals)Non-competitive (sole source under limited circumstances)Key thresholds you must know:Micro-purchase threshold: $10,000, increasing to $15,000 on October 1, 2025Simplified acquisition threshold: $250,000, rising to $350,000 in October 1, 2025Self-certification option to raise micro-purchase thresholds up to $50,000 — and the conditions requiredHow to apply each method:When micro-purchases are appropriate and how to document price reasonablenessConditions for sealed bids versus proposals under the formal methodSituations where sole sourcing is allowed — and the documentation requiredSpecial considerations:Procurement of architectural and engineering services through qualifications-based selectionState, local, or tribal rules that may further limit thresholdsThe importance of self-certification and internal risk assessmentsKey TakeawaysAlways align procurement decisions with written procedures that match both federal rules and your organization’s policies.Documentation is everything: from price reasonableness to risk assessments and self-certifications.Understand thresholds now — and prepare for the upcoming October 2025 changes.Remember: in grants management, fairness, competition, and compliance are the foundations of procurement.Resources & Links:2 CFR 200 Procurement StandardsLearn more at markanday.consultingConnect with Us:Instagram: @markandayconsultingLinkedIn: @markandayconsultingIf this episode was helpful, please share it with your colleagues and leave a review to help other grants professionals find the show.Stay tuned for next week’s SEASON FINALE episode, where Jasmine will continue breaking down essential compliance topics in federal grants management.Quote to Remember:“As a grant professional, it is your job to help your organization find the right method, apply it consistently, and document, document, document” — Jasmine Markanday