General
FAR 19.800 establishes the framework for awarding federal contracts to eligible small businesses through the SBA's 8(a) program, prioritizing these opportunities before other small business set-asides for larger acquisitions.
Overview
FAR 19.800 provides the foundational rules for the 8(a) Business Development Program, which is designed to help eligible small businesses gain access to federal contracting opportunities. Under this program, the Small Business Administration (SBA) can enter into contracts with federal agencies and then subcontract the work to qualified 8(a) participants. Contracts under the 8(a) program can be awarded on a sole source or competitive basis. The section also outlines the roles of the SBA and contracting officers, including the requirement for contracting officers to consider 8(a) opportunities before other small business set-asides for acquisitions above the simplified acquisition threshold. Additionally, it addresses the need for contracting officers to follow agency-specific guidance when the SBA has delegated contract execution authority.