The Small Business Subcontracting Program
FAR Subpart 19.7 establishes mandatory requirements and procedures to ensure small businesses have meaningful subcontracting opportunities in federal contracts.
Overview
FAR Subpart 19.7, The Small Business Subcontracting Program, establishes the regulatory framework for ensuring that small businesses receive a fair opportunity to participate in federal contracting through subcontracting. This subpart outlines the statutory and eligibility requirements for subcontracting plans, details the responsibilities of contracting officers and administrative contracting officers, and defines the role of the Small Business Administration (SBA) in overseeing the program. It also specifies the required contract clauses and provides definitions relevant to the program. The subpart is organized into sections covering definitions, statutory and eligibility requirements, plan requirements, roles and responsibilities, and contract clauses, providing a comprehensive guide for implementing and managing small business subcontracting plans in federal contracts.
Key Rules
- Definitions (19.701)
- Clarifies key terms used throughout the subpart.
- Statutory Requirements (19.702)
- Outlines when subcontracting plans are required by law.
- Eligibility Requirements (19.703)
- Specifies which contractors and contracts are subject to the program.
- Subcontracting Plan Requirements (19.704)
- Details the content and structure of required subcontracting plans.
- Contracting Officer Responsibilities (19.705)
- Describes the contracting officer’s duties in implementing and monitoring the program.
- Administrative Contracting Officer Responsibilities (19.706)
- Assigns oversight and compliance duties to the administrative contracting officer.
- SBA Role (19.707)
- Explains the SBA’s involvement in program oversight and support.
- Contract Clauses (19.708)
- Lists mandatory clauses to be included in applicable contracts.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure proper inclusion and review of subcontracting plans, monitor compliance, and coordinate with the SBA.
- Contractors: Develop, submit, and comply with approved subcontracting plans, and report on performance.
- Agencies: Oversee program implementation and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to promote small business participation in federal contracting through subcontracting opportunities.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring plans, monitoring, and reporting, and by holding contractors and agencies accountable for meeting small business goals.
- Common pitfalls include incomplete plans, lack of monitoring, and failure to meet reporting requirements.