Under what condition may a micro-purchase be awarded without soliciting competitive quotes?

A micro-purchase can be awarded without seeking competitive quotes under the condition that the contracting officer deems the price reasonable. This provision is designed to streamline the purchasing process for low-value items, encouraging quick and efficient procurement. The rationale behind this approach is that competitive quotes may not be necessary for small purchases where the associated risk and expenditure are minimal, and where the contracting officer has sufficient knowledge or information to judge the fairness of the price.

While an understanding of the seller's reputation, the monetary threshold for micro-purchases, and special approvals could have their roles in different contexts of procurement, they do not directly eliminate the requirement for competition in the same way that a determination of price reasonableness does. Thus, the ability to bypass competitive quotes when the price is judged to be reasonable reflects the intent of allowing quick purchasing decisions for low-cost goods and services, enhancing efficiency in government procurement processes.