19.401
General
FAR 19.401 requires agencies to coordinate with the SBA and designate specific officials to ensure small business interests are protected in federal contracting.
Overview
FAR 19.401 establishes the foundational authority and agency responsibilities for cooperation with the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Small Business Act. It clarifies that the SBA and federal agencies must consult and work together to develop policies that recognize and protect small business interests in federal contracting. The section also designates the Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) as the primary agency contact for SBA coordination, with the Director of the Office of Small Business Programs serving this role specifically for the Department of Defense (DoD).
Key Rules
- Authority and Cooperation
- The Small Business Act mandates that SBA and federal agencies collaborate to ensure small business interests are considered in policy-making.
- Agency Focal Points
- Each agency must designate a Director (OSDBU or Small Business Programs for DoD) to serve as the main point of contact with the SBA.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must be aware of agency focal points for small business matters and consult them as needed.
- Contractors: Should understand the agency structure for small business advocacy and know whom to contact for small business issues.
- Agencies: Must designate and empower the appropriate Director to interface with the SBA and ensure small business interests are addressed.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures that small business concerns are systematically represented in federal contracting policy and practice.
- Contractors benefit from clear points of contact for small business advocacy within agencies.
- Failure to recognize or utilize these focal points can result in missed opportunities for small business participation or compliance issues.