19.202-4
Solicitation
Contracting officers must actively facilitate small business participation in solicitations by providing ample time, access to documents, and requested information.
Overview
FAR 19.202-4 outlines specific actions contracting officers must take to encourage maximum participation from small businesses and various small business subcategories in federal solicitations. The regulation emphasizes providing ample time for offer submissions, ensuring access to necessary solicitation documents, and supplying requested information to small businesses to facilitate their ability to compete for government contracts. The goal is to remove barriers and promote inclusivity in the federal procurement process for small, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, small disadvantaged, and women-owned small businesses.
Key Rules
- Allow Maximum Time for Offers
- Contracting officers should provide the longest practicable period for small businesses to prepare and submit offers.
- Provide Access to Solicitation Documents
- Specifications, plans, and drawings must be included with solicitations or information provided on how to obtain or review them.
- Respond to Small Business Requests
- Upon request, small businesses must receive a copy of the solicitation, contact information for agency questions, and citations to major applicable laws or rules (excluding those generally applicable to all businesses).
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must implement these outreach and information-sharing practices for all relevant solicitations.
- Contractors: Small businesses should proactively request information and ensure they understand all compliance requirements.
- Agencies: Oversee that contracting officers are facilitating small business participation as required.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to level the playing field for small businesses in federal contracting.
- It impacts daily solicitation practices, requiring proactive communication and transparency.
- Common pitfalls include failing to provide adequate time or information, which can limit small business participation and lead to compliance issues.