---
title: "Apply the total small-business set-aside below the simplified acquisition threshold"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/government-procurement-and-tendering/apply-the-below-threshold-rules-on-who-must-be-invited-to-submit/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A50-CO20261022-3-US"
practice_area: "Government Procurement & Tendering"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Apply the total small-business set-aside below the simplified acquisition threshold

> From the anticipated value and the supplies or services, record whether the buy sits above the micro-purchase threshold and not over the simplified acquisition threshold.…

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/government-procurement-and-tendering/apply-the-below-threshold-rules-on-who-must-be-invited-to-submit/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Government Procurement & Tendering](https://ailawframework.com/practice/government-procurement-and-tendering.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | From the anticipated value and the supplies or services, record whether the buy sits above the micro-purchase threshold and not over the simplified acquisition threshold. List the file's market-research note on whether two or more responsible small businesses are expected. Do not decide that the set-aside is unavailable and do not state a dollar figure for either threshold. |
| What the lawyer must review | The lawyer decides whether FAR 19.502-2(a) requires a total small-business set-aside. Each acquisition of supplies or services above the micro-purchase threshold, but not over the simplified acquisition threshold, shall be set aside for small business unless the contracting officer determines there is not a reasonable expectation of offers from two or more responsible small business concerns that are competitive on fair market price, quality, and delivery. One acceptable offer from a responsible small business should be accepted. No acceptable offers means the set-aside is withdrawn and, if the requirement is still valid, the buy is resolicited on an unrestricted basis. FAR 13.104 separately requires the contracting officer to promote competition and not to restrict a simplified solicitation to well-known brands. The opened section points to FAR 19.203 before the set-aside is made. That section was not opened, so it is not applied from memory. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Apply the below-threshold rules on who must be invited to submit](https://ailawframework.com/practice/government-procurement-and-tendering/apply-the-below-threshold-rules-on-who-must-be-invited-to-submit.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: From the anticipated value and the supplies or services, record whether the buy sits above the micro-purchase threshold and not over the simplified acquisition threshold. List the file's market-research note on whether two or more responsible small businesses are expected. Do not decide that the set-aside is unavailable and do not state a dollar figure for either threshold.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- The opened FAR text does not state the dollar amounts of the micro-purchase or simplified acquisition thresholds. Do not insert one.
- This is a small-business set-aside. It is not a rule that only domestic or Indigenous businesses may be invited.

## Sources

- [FAR 19.502-2, Total small business set-asides (acquisition.gov, FAC 2026-01, effective 13 March 2026)](https://www.acquisition.gov/far/19.502-2) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [FAR 13.104, Promoting competition (acquisition.gov, FAC 2026-01, effective 13 March 2026)](https://www.acquisition.gov/far/13.104) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*