On June 20, 2018, the US Office of Management and Budget announced changes that raised the threshold for micro-purchases to $10,000, and the threshold for simplified acquisitions to $250,000 for all current recipients of Federal financial assistance awards through grants and cooperative agreements (grantees).
Pursuant to legislative changes that occurred in the National Defense Authorization Acts for both Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018, effective June 20, 2018 OMB has increased the micro-purchase threshold to $10,000, and the simplified acquisition from $100,000 to $250,000, for all Federal grant recipients. OMB has increased these thresholds in advance of issuing amendments to the Uniform Guidance provisions regarding these amounts (2 CFR §200.67 and CFR §200.88)
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 also included provisions that allow institutions of higher education, or related or affiliated nonprofit entities, nonprofit research institutions or independent research institutes to apply for higher micro-purchase thresholds. Applications for increased thresholds are to be submitted to the organization’s cognizant Federal agency for indirect cost rates. OMB intends to update the Uniform Guidance to conform to these changes.
If necessary, CNCS will update grant terms and conditions to reflect the new thresholds and applications for increased micro-purchase thresholds. Grantees are encouraged to contact their Grants Officer with any questions.
In Service,
Joseph Liciardello, Acting Chief Grants Officer
Corporation for National and Community Service Grant Offices
Washington, DC and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania