Small Business Total Set-Asides, Partial Set-Asides, and Reserves
FAR Subpart 19.5 requires contracting officers to prioritize small business participation by setting aside or reserving acquisitions when certain criteria are met, ensuring compliance with limitations on subcontracting and proper documentation.
Overview
FAR Subpart 19.5 establishes the policies and procedures for setting aside federal acquisitions for small businesses, including total set-asides, partial set-asides, and reserves. It outlines when and how contracting officers must reserve certain procurements exclusively for small business participation, either in whole or in part, and provides guidance on the use of set-asides in multiple-award contracts. The subpart also addresses limitations on subcontracting, the nonmanufacturer rule, required documentation, and the inclusion of specific solicitation provisions and contract clauses. Its primary purpose is to ensure that small businesses have fair opportunities to compete for federal contracts and to promote their participation in government procurement.