19.402
Small Business Administration procurement center representatives
SBA Procurement Center Representatives play a critical role in maximizing small business participation in federal contracts, and contracting officers must cooperate fully with their oversight and recommendations.
Overview
FAR 19.402 outlines the role and responsibilities of Small Business Administration (SBA) Procurement Center Representatives (PCRs) in federal contracting. PCRs are assigned to contracting activities or contract administration offices to promote SBA policies and programs, particularly those supporting small business participation. The regulation details how contracting officers must cooperate with PCRs, including providing access to contract information and considering their recommendations to enhance small business opportunities. It also describes the process for PCRs to review acquisitions, recommend set-asides, suggest new small business sources, and appeal decisions that may limit small business participation.
Key Rules
- Assignment and Conduct of PCRs
- SBA may assign PCRs to any contracting activity; PCRs must follow agency conduct and security requirements.
- Access to Information
- Contracting officers must provide PCRs with access to pertinent contract information, subject to security and acquisition regulations.
- PCR Duties
- PCRs review acquisitions, recommend set-asides or sole-source awards, identify new small business sources, suggest breakout of requirements, and propose ways to improve competition.
- Acquisition Package Review
- PCRs can recommend alternative contracting methods if current approaches limit small business competition, with recommendations due within 15 days.
- Appeals and Reviews
- PCRs may appeal decisions not to solicit small businesses and conduct periodic reviews of agency compliance with small business policies.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must cooperate with PCRs, provide access to information, and consider their recommendations and appeals.
- Contractors: Should be aware that PCRs may influence acquisition strategies and set-aside decisions.
- Agencies: Must ensure PCRs have necessary clearances and support their oversight and training activities.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures small businesses have fair opportunities in federal contracting by empowering PCRs to review and influence acquisition strategies. Contracting officers must be responsive to PCR recommendations and appeals, and agencies must facilitate PCR access and compliance. Common pitfalls include delays in responding to PCR recommendations or failing to provide required information.