Policies
FAR Subpart 19.2 establishes the core policies and priorities for maximizing small business participation in federal contracting and clarifies how different small business programs interact.
Overview
FAR Subpart 19.2, "Policies," outlines the foundational policies governing the federal government's engagement with small business programs. This subpart establishes the general and specific policies that contracting officers and agencies must follow to ensure maximum practicable participation of small businesses in federal contracting. It also clarifies the relationships among various small business programs, such as 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB, ensuring that contracting professionals understand how these programs interact and the priorities for their application. The subpart serves as a guide for implementing small business policies throughout the acquisition process, promoting fair opportunity and compliance with statutory requirements.
Key Rules
- General Policy (19.201)
- Agencies must provide maximum practicable opportunities for small businesses to participate in federal contracting, consistent with efficient contract performance.
- Specific Policies (19.202)
- Details specific requirements and procedures for considering small businesses in acquisitions, including set-asides and evaluation preferences.
- Relationship Among Small Business Programs (19.203)
- Explains how different small business programs interact and establishes the order of precedence or coordination among them.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must actively seek small business participation, apply set-aside rules, and understand program relationships.
- Contractors: Should be aware of eligibility and participation requirements for various small business programs.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance with small business policies and report on participation metrics.
Practical Implications
- This subpart ensures small businesses have fair access to federal contracts, supporting economic development and statutory goals.
- It impacts daily acquisition planning, solicitation, and award processes.
- Common pitfalls include misapplication of set-aside rules or misunderstanding program precedence, which can lead to protests or compliance issues.