Data collection and reporting requirements
Agencies must collect, track, and report accurate data on small business participation in federal contracts, requiring contractors to represent and, when necessary, rerepresent their business status.
Overview
FAR 19.202-5 establishes requirements for agencies to collect and report data on small business participation in federal acquisition programs. The regulation mandates that agencies obtain representations from prospective contractors regarding their small business status and accurately track and report the total value of contracts awarded to various small business categories each fiscal year. Additionally, it outlines procedures for rerepresentation of size and socioeconomic status when certain contract clauses are triggered, ensuring that data remains current throughout the contract lifecycle.
Key Rules
- Small Business Representation
- Agencies must require prospective contractors to declare their small business status, including specific subcategories such as veteran-owned, HUBZone, and women-owned small businesses.
- Measurement and Reporting
- Agencies are responsible for measuring and reporting the total value of contracts awarded to small businesses annually, submitting this data to the SBA.
- Rerepresentation Requirements
- When the contract includes the 52.219-28 clause and rerepresentation conditions are met, contractors must update their size and socioeconomic status, or may do so if previously represented as other than small.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure contractors provide accurate representations, track contract awards by business type, and report data to the SBA.
- Contractors: Must accurately represent their business status and update it as required by contract clauses.
- Agencies: Must oversee data collection, ensure compliance, and submit annual reports to the SBA.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures transparency and accountability in small business participation in federal contracting.
- Accurate data collection supports agency goals and SBA oversight.
- Failure to comply can result in inaccurate reporting, affecting both agency performance metrics and contractor eligibility.