No, TINA generally doesn't apply to commercial items bought by the government when those items sell in big quantities to the public or non-government buyers under similar terms.
Who does TINA apply to?
TINA targets government contractors negotiating single-source deals without clear market prices—especially when the contract tops $750,000 as of 2026.
These contractors must hand over truthful, accurate, and complete cost data to the government. That goes for both big corporations and small firms, though small outfits might dodge this if they meet certain conditions. Check if your contract includes FAR clauses 52.215-10 through 13—those usually signal TINA’s in play. If you’re unsure, chat with a contracts lawyer or a procurement pro.
What are the exceptions to TINA?
TINA doesn’t kick in when prices are truly competitive, set by law, or when the item’s a commercial product sold in bulk to regular folks.
Other loopholes include deals where prices are hammered out in a competitive bidding war or fixed by regulation. The government can also skip TINA through specific waivers in FAR Part 15.403. If you’re a contractor, dig into your contract or get legal advice to see if an exception fits your case.
Are small businesses subject to TINA?
Small businesses dodge TINA if their deal falls under $750,000 as of 2026.
But if a small biz lands a contract or subcontract worth $750,000 or more, TINA might still come knocking. Contracts under $7.5 million are usually safe for small businesses—unless they’ve racked up bigger deals before. Double-check with your contracting officer or a procurement expert to be sure.
What was the TINA threshold for 2020?
The TINA threshold in 2020 was $750,000, meaning contractors had to submit certified cost data for negotiated buys at or above that amount.
Fast-forward to 2026, and that threshold jumps to $2 million under the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act. Deals below this line are usually exempt unless other rules apply. Always verify the latest number with the Defense Pricing and Contracting (DPC) or your contracting officer.
What is TINA called now?
TINA’s now officially the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act, though most folks still call it TINA (Truth in Negotiations Act).
The name update modernized the law, but the core rule—handing over honest cost data—stays the same. It applies to contracts over $2 million as of 2026. For fresh updates, scan Federal Register notices or the General Services Administration (GSA).
What is the dollar threshold for TINA?
The dollar threshold for TINA as of 2026 is $750,000 for contracts that need certified cost data.
Flip to 2026, and the trigger jumps to $2 million under the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act. Deals under $750,000 are usually off the hook unless special conditions pop up. Contractors should confirm the current line with their contracting officer or the Defense Pricing and Contracting (DPC).
How do I know if my contract is subject to TINA?
Look for FAR clauses 52.215-10, 11, 12, or 13 in your contract to see if TINA applies.
Even without those clauses, TINA might still bite if the deal tops $750,000 and lacks solid market pricing. Review the contract’s pricing setup—if it’s missing real competition or fair market rates, TINA likely kicks in. Still unsure? Run it by a procurement attorney or contracts specialist.
What triggers CAS coverage?
CAS coverage kicks in when a contractor lands a single CAS-covered award of at least $50 million or piles up at least $50 million in net CAS-covered awards during the last cost accounting period, including a “trigger” award of at least $7.5 million.
CAS (Cost Accounting Standards) kicks in for big-ticket contracts and demands consistent accounting methods. Smaller deals or those going to small businesses usually skate by. For the nitty-gritty, check with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) or the CAS Board.
Who is exempt from CAS?
Contracts given to small businesses are off the hook for CAS, no matter the deal size, along with any contracts under $750,000.
Contracts under $7.5 million also escape CAS if the company hasn’t landed bigger deals before. These breaks help cut red tape for smaller players. Always confirm your exemption with your contracting officer or a procurement pro.
What is the TINA threshold for subcontractors?
The TINA threshold for subcontractors is $2 million as of 2026, meaning they must submit certified cost data if their subcontract hits or exceeds that amount.
This lines up with the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act and kicks in for subcontracts under prime deals over $2 million. Subcontractors should check if their deal includes TINA clauses or ask the prime contractor’s procurement team for guidance.
What was the simplified acquisition threshold in 2021?
The simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) in 2021 was $250,000 for federal contracts, letting agencies use streamlined buying methods for purchases under that amount.
That’s up from $150,000, a move to cut red tape for federal buyers. Deals above this usually need stricter procurement steps. For the latest number, peek at the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) or the GSA.
What is a TINA sweep?
A “TINA sweep” is a compliance check meant to spot and fix pricing goofs in TINA-covered contracts.
Dating back to the 1980s, this process adds time to procurement timelines but helps ensure contractors follow TINA rules. The government might launch a sweep during negotiations or after awarding a contract. Keep spotless cost data to avoid headaches during a sweep. For more, hit up the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA).
What is TINA short for?
TINA is just a nickname for female names like Christina, Martina, or Valentina—it’s not an acronym here.
It’s got nothing to do with the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA) or any financial rules. The name traces back to European languages, where it’s a common short form for longer names. For name origins, try Merriam-Webster or Behind the Name.
What does TINA stand for?
In money and procurement circles, TINA stands for “Truth in Negotiations Act.”
Outside finance, TINA also means “There Is No Alternative,” a phrase tossed around in politics and economics. The meaning changes with the context. For legal or regulatory uses, check govinfo.gov or the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
What does TINA mean in slang?
In slang, “Tina” refers to crystal meth, especially in the gay community.
It’s short for the name “Christina.” The term hails from drug culture and carries heavy legal and health risks. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to SAMHSA or local health services.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
