(a) The Contracting officer must notify the contracting activity small business specialist of the intent to proceed with the acquisition if it exceeds $100 million and the requesting agency has completed a justification in accordance with the requirements of FAR 6.303-1(b).

(b) When direct negotiation with an 8(a) contractor does not proceed satisfactorily, the Contracting officer must ask the SBA to enter negotiations promptly to expedite the award.