SUBPART 5819.8 – CONTRACTING WITH THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (THE 8(a) PROGRAM)

(c) When selecting an 8(a) firm for a sole source award, the contracting officer should attempt to locate a firm with multiple socioeconomic categories.

(a) Sample offering letter is located at https://www.ditco.disa.mil/DitcoContractingTemplates under Small Business Guides and Templates.

(S-90) Prior to requesting release of a requirement from the 8(a) program, coordinate with OSBP. Sample 8(a) release letter and package requirements are located at https://www.ditco.disa.mil/DitcoContractingTemplates under Small Business Guides and Templates.

(S-90) When a requirement value falls between the competitive threshold in FAR 19.805-1(a)(2) and $100 million, the contracting officer shall first consider competition between 8(a) small business concerns prior to offering the requirement to the SBA as a sole source effort. Sole source efforts exceeding the competitive 8(a) threshold only applies to Alaskan Native Corporations, Native Hawaiian Organizations or Tribally-Owned contractors. Approval to utilize the 8(a) program for sole source requirements exceeding the competitive threshold shall be obtained from the Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA) with concurrence from the Director of the OSBP.

(a) The justification is included (in the template) in the 8(a) Sole Source Market Research Report.

(b) If a sole source requirement exceeds $100M, a J&A must be executed in accordance with DARS PGI 5806.303-1 (S-90)

(c) If a sole source exceeds the competitive 8(a) threshold, the HCA will coordinate the request with the Director, OSBP. HCA approval will be provided via email, copy furnished to the Director of the OSBP. The Director, OSBP will concur on the DD2579.