FAR 19 Small Business

Question 1

Contracting Officers shall encourage small business participation by:

Answer 1

a. Divide acquisitions into smaller lots to allow offers on smaller quantities.

b. Plan so that multiple small businesses can do the work if it exceeds the SBA’s guaranteed surety.

c. Make sure delivery schedules are realistic.

d. Encourage prime contractors to subcontract with small businesses.

e. Send the acquisition package to the SBA representative at least 30 days before issuing the solicitation, especially for consolidation and bundling. Process the rest of the acquisition with SBA review.

Question 2

8a Program Policy

Answer 2

a. Contracts can be given to the SBA for 8(a) participants on a sole source or competitive basis.

b. The SBA certifies it can handle the specific contract.

c. For acquisitions over the SAT, consider 8(a) set-asides or sole source awards before SB set-asides.

d. The SBA has allowed the agency to handle 8(a) contracts. Refer to the SBS Partnership Agreement (PA) with the DoD for guidance.

e. An 8(a) participant owned by an ANC, Indian Tribe, Native Hawaiian Organization, or Community Development Corporation cannot get a sole source follow-on contract if the previous contract was done by another 8(a) owned by the same entity.

Question 3

Definition of small business concern

Answer 3

a. Independently owned and operated

b. Not dominant in its field

c. Qualifies under SBA size standards

d. Organized for profit

e. Has a place of business in the US

f. Contributes to the US economy through taxes and/or using American products, materials, or labor

Question 4

What is certificate of competency? When it is issued?

Answer 4

A certificate from the SBA stating that the holder is responsible for a specific contract, issued after the Contracting Officer finds them non-responsible.

Question 5

What is the subcontracting statutory requirement for Small Business Subcontracting Program?

Answer 5

1. Contractors receiving contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold must ensure that small businesses, including veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, disadvantaged, and women-owned businesses, have ample opportunity to participate.
2. Prime contractors must also establish procedures for timely subcontractor payments.
3. Subcontracting Plan is required for negotiated acquisitions or sealed bids exceeding $750,000, or exceeding $1.5 million for construction contracts. Also required if a modification increases the contract value beyond these thresholds.

Ref. FAR 19.702