18.115
HUBZone sole source awards
FAR 18.115 authorizes sole source contract awards to HUBZone small businesses, streamlining opportunities for eligible firms and supporting federal socioeconomic goals.
Overview
FAR 18.115 allows contracting officers to award contracts on a sole source basis to HUBZone small business concerns, providing an acquisition flexibility tool to support small business participation in federal contracting. This authority enables agencies to directly award contracts to eligible HUBZone firms without competition, subject to the requirements and procedures outlined in FAR 19.1306. The intent is to promote economic development in historically underutilized business zones by increasing federal contracting opportunities for qualified small businesses.
Key Rules
- HUBZone Sole Source Authority
- Contracting officers may award contracts directly to HUBZone small business concerns without competition, following the procedures in FAR 19.1306.
- Reference to FAR 19.1306
- All requirements, thresholds, and procedures for HUBZone sole source awards are governed by FAR 19.1306, which must be consulted for compliance.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must verify HUBZone eligibility, follow FAR 19.1306 procedures, and document the justification for sole source awards.
- Contractors: Must maintain HUBZone certification and eligibility to receive sole source awards.
- Agencies: Should ensure oversight and proper use of sole source authority to support small business goals.
Practical Implications
- This section provides a streamlined path for awarding contracts to HUBZone small businesses, supporting socioeconomic objectives.
- Contractors should ensure their HUBZone status is current to be eligible for such awards.
- Common pitfalls include failing to follow the detailed requirements in FAR 19.1306 or not verifying HUBZone eligibility.