13.102
Source list
Contracting officers must use SAM.gov as the primary vendor source and ensure small business statuses are clearly identified to maximize small business participation in simplified acquisitions.
Overview
FAR 13.102 outlines requirements for contracting officers to use the System for Award Management (SAM) as the primary source for vendor information when conducting acquisitions under simplified acquisition procedures. If offices maintain additional vendor source lists, they must categorize vendors by their small business status, including small business, small disadvantaged business, women-owned small business (including those eligible under the WOSB Program), HUBZone small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, and veteran-owned small business. This categorization helps ensure that small businesses receive maximum practicable opportunity to participate in government contracts.
Key Rules
- Use of SAM.gov
- Contracting officers must primarily use SAM.gov to obtain vendor information for acquisitions.
- Vendor Status Identification
- Any additional vendor lists must clearly identify the business status of each vendor in specified categories.
- Promoting Small Business Participation
- Status information should be used to maximize small business participation in simplified acquisitions.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must use SAM.gov as the main vendor source and properly categorize vendors in any supplemental lists.
- Contractors: Should ensure their business status is accurately reflected in SAM.gov and any agency-maintained lists.
- Agencies: Should oversee that vendor lists are current and status information is used to promote small business opportunities.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures transparency and fairness in vendor selection for simplified acquisitions.
- Accurate categorization supports small business goals and compliance with federal set-aside requirements.
- Failure to use SAM.gov or properly identify vendor status can result in missed opportunities for small businesses and potential compliance issues for agencies.