Office of Acquisition and Logistics (OAL)

Part 819 - Small Business Programs

AUTHORITY:  15 U.S.C. 631, et seq.; 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(E); 38 U.S.C. 8127-8128; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 41 U.S.C. 1121(c)(3); 41 U.S.C. 1303; 41 U.S.C. 1702; and 48 CFR 1.301 through 1.304.

819.000  Scope of part.

(a) This part supplements FAR part 19 and implements the service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), veteran-owned small business (VOSB), and small business provisions of 38 U.S.C. 8127 and 8128, Executive Order 13360, and the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et. seq.) as applied to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This part also covers—

(1) Goals for using SDVOSBs and VOSBs;

(2) Priorities and preferences for using SDVOSBs/VOSBs;

(3) SDVOSB/VOSB eligibility and contract compliance;

(4) Setting aside acquisitions for SDVOSBs/VOSBs;

(5) Sole-source awards to SDVOSBs and VOSBs; and

(6) Evaluation preferences and contract clauses.

Subpart 819.2 - Policies

819.201  General policy.

(a) It is VA policy that small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans shall have maximum practicable opportunity to participate in VA acquisitions, consistent the priorities and preferences prescribed under the Veterans First Contracting Program in subpart 819.70.

(1) To carry out this policy the Secretary shall establish annual SDVOSB and VOSB contracting goals.

(2) In support of these goals, each administration and staff office shall in turn establish annual goals for each subordinate contracting activity that present, for that activity, the maximum practicable opportunity for small business concerns, and particularly SDVOSBs/VOSBs, to participate in the performance of the activity’s contracts and subcontracts.

(3) The attainment of these goals or the use of interagency acquisition vehicles does not limit the applicability of the Veterans First Contracting Program and priorities in subpart 819.70.

(c) In addition to the duties and responsibilities in FAR 19.201(c), the Executive Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), is responsible for overseeing implementation of the Veterans First Contracting Program under subpart 819.70.

(d) Each organization with contracting authority shall designate small business specialists/technical advisors in coordination with the OSDBU Director.

Deviation per Class Deviation from VAAR parts 802, 806, 808, 810, 813, 819, 852, and 873, dated February 16, 2023, to implement the expansion of the certification requirement across all Federal agencies for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs), and the transfer of the certification authority for both SDVOSBs and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) from the VA to the Small Business Administration (SBA), effective January 1, 2023. The class deviation updates various VAAR parts to implement the new policy regarding the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program, the relevant SBA certification database, and removing the VA VIP database title and web address, and other pertinent information.

819.202  Specific policies. (DEVIATION)

OSDBU is responsible for reviewing procurement strategies, establishing thresholds for such reviews and making recommendations to assist contracting officers in the implementation of this part. These responsibilities shall be conducted within the VA hierarchy of small business program preferences established by 38 U.S.C. 8127(h) (see subpart 819.70), which requires VA to consider preferences for eligible and certified SDVOSBs first, then preferences for eligible and certified VOSBs, both listed in the SBA certification database on the SBA Veterans Small Business Certification Program (VetCert) portal at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/ (see 819.7003 and 819.7005). Contracting officers shall use VA Form 2268, Small Business Program and Contract Bundling Review, to document actions and recommendations.

819.203  Relationship among small business programs.

819.203-70  Priority for SDVOSB/VOSB contracting preferences.

(a) 38 U.S.C. 8127 and 8128 require the VA to provide priority and establish special acquisition methods to increase contracting opportunities for SDVOSBs/VOSBs. These priorities and special acquisition methods are set forth in subpart 819.70 and shall be applied by contracting officers before other priorities and preferences in FAR 19.203.

(b) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8128, contracting officers shall give priority to SDVOSBs/VOSBs if such business concern(s) also meet the requirements of that contracting preference. The requirement in this paragraph (b) applies even when using a contracting preference under FAR part 19 (for example, a women-owned small business set-aside).

Subpart 819.3 - Determination of Small Business Size and Status for Small Business Programs

819.307  Protesting a firm’s status as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern.

819.307-70  SDVOSB/VOSB status protests.

All protests relating to size, status, and/or whether an SDVOSB or a VOSB is a “small business” are subject to the Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations at 13 CFR part 121 and must be filed in accordance with SBA guidelines at 13 CFR part 134 (see FAR subpart 19.3). Pursuant to Public Law 114-328, SBA will hear cases related to size and status, including ownership and control challenges under the VA Veterans First Contracting Program (see 38 U.S.C. 8127(f)(8)).

Subpart 819.5 - Small Business Total Set-Asides, Partial Set-Asides, and Reserves

819.501  General.

819.501-70  General principles for setting aside VA acquisitions.

(a) The following principles apply to VA acquisitions under this subpart:

(1) Before setting aside or reserving an acquisition for small businesses under FAR subpart 19.5, contracting officers shall refer to 808.002 and 819.203-70 and subpart 819.70 for VA SDVOSB/VOSB priorities and preferences.

(2) Set-asides under the Veterans First Contracting Program in subpart 819.70 (see 819.7006 and 819.7007) have precedence over other small business set-asides authorized in FAR part 19, both above and below the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT). An SDVOSB/VOSB set-aside satisfies the legislative requirement to reserve actions below the SAT for small business.

(3) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(d), set-asides for SDVOSBs/VOSBs are mandatory whenever a contracting officer has a reasonable expectation of receiving two or more offers/quotes from eligible, capable and verified firms, and that an award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the Government. (VA Rule of Two (see 802.101))

(b) The set-aside principles in this section apply to VA acquisitions even when a procuring activity is meeting its goals or is planning the use of an interagency agreement, Federal Supply Schedule, or a multiple award contract, including a Governmentwide contract vehicle.

(c) The requirements in this section apply to all VA acquisitions under this subpart, including reserves, orders, and BPAs under multiple award contracts, GSA Federal Supply Schedule contracts, and Multi-Agency Contracts (MACs) awarded by another agency. A set-aside restricted to SDVOSBs/VOSBs pursuant to subpart 819.70 satisfies competition requirements in FAR part 6, as well as fair opportunity requirements for orders under multiple-award contracts (see FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(F)).

819.502  Setting aside acquisitions.

819.502-1  Requirements for setting aside acquisitions.

(b) Contracting officers shall refer to 808.002 for the VA policy regarding priorities for use of SDVOSBs/VOSBs and mandatory Government sources.

819.502-2  Total small business set-asides.

(a) If the contracting officer receives no acceptable offers from responsible small business concerns, the set-aside shall be withdrawn and the requirement, if still valid, shall be resolicited on an unrestricted basis or, if permitted in the solicitation, the contracting officer will follow the tiered set-aside evaluation procedures in 819.7010, Tiered evaluation, and proceed to the next eligible tier in the evaluation process.

819.507  Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.

819.507-70  Additional VA solicitation provisions and contract clauses.

For contracts, orders, or BPAs to be issued as SDVOSB/VOSB reserve, tiered evaluation, set-aside, or sole source, see 819.7011. Also see subparts 808.4 and 815.3 and 819.203-70 for requirements and clauses applicable to VA small business set-asides.

Subpart 819.6 - [Reserved.]

Subpart 819.7 - The Small Business Subcontracting Program

Deviation per Class Deviation from VAAR parts 802, 806, 808, 810, 813, 819, 852, and 873, dated February 16, 2023, to implement the expansion of the certification requirement across all Federal agencies for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs), and the transfer of the certification authority for both SDVOSBs and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) from the VA to the Small Business Administration (SBA), effective January 1, 2023. The class deviation updates various VAAR parts to implement the new policy regarding the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program, the relevant SBA certification database, and removing the VA VIP database title and web address, and other pertinent information.

819.704-70  VA subcontracting plan requirements. (DEVIATION)

(a) VA’s current subcontracting goals, at a minimum, shall be inserted into all solicitations which contain FAR clause 52.219-9. To the maximum extent possible, the contracting officer shall ensure that individual subcontracting plans submitted by offerors subject to clause 852.219-70, VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirements, include SDVOSB/VOSB goals that are commensurate with the annual VA SDVOSB/VOSB subcontracting goals (see 819.708).

(1) Only certified firms listed in the SBA certification database on the SBA VetCert portal at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/ (see subpart 819.70) will count towards SDVOSB and VOSB subcontracting goals or towards any subcontract commitments pursuant to paragraph (c).

(2) A contractor may reasonably rely on a subcontractor’s status as shown in the SBA certification database as of the date of subcontract award, provided the contractor retains records of the results of the SBA certification database query.

(3) In furtherance of 38 U.S.C. 8127(a)(4), contractors shall submit subcontracting plan reports to OSDBU as set forth in clause 852.219-70, VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirements. Unless otherwise directed by OSDBU, VA Form 0896A, Report of Subcontracts to Small and Veteran Owned Business, shall be used to submit the required information.

(b) Subcontracting goals should be expressed as a percentage of total dollars to be subcontracted unless otherwise stated in the solicitation.

(c) If an offeror proposes to use an SDVOSB/VOSB subcontractor for the purpose of receiving SDVOSB/VOSB evaluation factors credit pursuant to 808.405-70 or 815.304-70, the contracting officer shall ensure that the offeror, if awarded the contract, actually uses the proposed subcontractor or another SDVOSB/VOSB for that subcontract or for work of similar value, in accordance with clause 852.208-70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors—Orders or BPAs, or 852.215-71, Evaluation Factor Commitments.

(d) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company’s SDVOSB or VOSB status is subject to debarment from contracting with the Department for a period of not less than five years. This includes the debarment of all principals in the business (see 809.406-270).

819.708  Contract clauses.

(b) The contracting officer shall insert clause 852.219-70, Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirements, in solicitations and contracts that include FAR clause 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

Subpart 819.8 - Contracting With the Small Business Administration (the 8(a) Program)

819.800  General.

(e) The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have entered into a Partnership Agreement delegating SBA’s contract execution and administrative functions to VA. Contracting officers shall follow the alternate procedures in the Partnership Agreement and this subpart, as applicable, to award an 8(a) contract. In the event the Partnership Agreement ceases to be in effect, contracting officers shall follow the procedures in FAR subpart 19.8.

Subpart 819.811 - Preparing the contracts.

Subpart 819.811-370 - VA/SBA Partnership Agreement and contract clauses.

(a) Before placing new requirements under the 8(a) program, the contracting officer must determine whether an SDVOSB/VOSB set-aside is mandated under the VA Rule of Two (see 802.101). If the determination does not result in an SDVOSB/VOSB set-aside, the contracting officer may consider the 8(a) program.

(b) The Partnership Agreement provides that SBA can release procurements already in the program whenever an SDVOSB or VOSB set-aside is feasible.

(c) When an 8(a) acquisition is processed pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, the contracting officer shall:

(1) For competitive solicitations and awards, use the clause at 852.219-71, VA Notification of Competition Limited to Eligible 8(a) Participants, substituting paragraph (c) of FAR 52.219-18, Notification of Competition Limited to Eligible 8(a) Participants, with paragraph (c) contained in 852.219-71.

(2) For noncompetitive solicitations and awards insert the clause at 852.219-72, Notification of Section 8(a) Direct Awards, instead of the prescribed FAR clauses at 52.219-11, Special 8(a) Contract Conditions; 52.219-12, Special 8(a) Subcontract Conditions; and 52.219-17, Section 8(a) Award.

(3) In all instances, contracting include the clause at FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, or if applicable 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule.

Subpart 819.70 - The VA Veterans First Contracting Program

Deviation per Class Deviation from VAAR parts 802, 806, 808, 810, 813, 819, 852, and 873, dated February 16, 2023, to implement the expansion of the certification requirement across all Federal agencies for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs), and the transfer of the certification authority for both SDVOSBs and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) from the VA to the Small Business Administration (SBA), effective January 1, 2023. The class deviation updates various VAAR parts to implement the new policy regarding the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program, the relevant SBA certification database, and removing the VA VIP database title and web address, and other pertinent information.

819.7001  General. (DEVIATION)

(a) Sections 502 and 503 of Public Law 109-461, the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006, as amended (38 U.S.C. 8127- 8128), authorizes a VA specific program to increase contracting opportunities for eligible small business concerns owned and controlled by Veterans with service-connected disabilities and small business concerns owned and controlled by Veterans. These eligible small businesses listed in the SBA certification database, pursuant to 13 CFR 128 are referred to as certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) or collectively certified SDVOSB/VOSB for ease of reference.

(b) The program as implemented in this subpart shall be known as the Veterans First Contracting Program. The purpose of the program is to increase contracting opportunities and provide for priority in the award of contracts and subcontracts to SDVOSBs/VOSBs so they can fully participate in the VA contracting process. Certified SDVOSBs qualify for any VOSB preferences under this subpart.

(c) VA’s program is codified at 38 U.S.C. 8127 (b), (c), and (d), and provides the authority for VA contracting officers to make awards to certified SDVOSBs/VOSBs using restricted competition, as well as other than full and open competition (sole source), as set-forth in this subpart. Additionally, 38 U.S.C. 8128 provides the authority for VA to give certified SDVOSBs/VOSBs priority in the awarding of contracts and subcontracts using evaluation preferences.

(d) Contracting officers shall award contracts by restricting competition to eligible SDVOSBs/VOSBs as provided in 819.7006 and 819.7007. The contracting officer may use other preferences in this subpart as appropriate and in accordance with procuring activity guidelines.

(e) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8128, contracting officers shall give priority to certified SDVOSBs/VOSBs if such business concern(s) also meet the requirements of that contracting preference. In carrying out this responsibility, contracting officers shall include the clauses prescribed at 808.405-570 and 815.304-71 in competitive solicitations and contracts that are not set-aside for SDVOSB/VOSB, including those under FAR part 12. The requirement in this paragraph (e) applies even when using a contracting preference under FAR part 19 (for example, a women-owned small business set-aside).

(f) The attainment of goals or the use of interagency vehicles or Governmentwide contract vehicles (i.e., Federal Supply Schedules (FSS)) does not relieve the contracting officer from using SDVOSB/VOSB set-asides and other preferences as provided in subpart 819.70. Moreover, if the VA enters into a contract, agreement, or other arrangement with any governmental entity to acquire goods or services, the entity acting on behalf of the VA through such an interagency acquisition or other agreement shall comply, to the maximum extent feasible, with the provisions of the Veterans First Contracting Program as set forth in this subpart.

(g) Contracting officers shall ensure awards are made using the VA hierarchy of SDVOSB/VOSB preferences in this subpart. Specifically, the contracting officer will consider preferences for eligible SDVOSBs first, then preferences for other eligible VOSBs.

(h) When an offer of an SDVOSB/VOSB prime contractor includes a proposed team of small business subcontractors and specifically identifies the first-tier subcontractor(s) in the proposal, the contracting officer must consider the capabilities, past performance, and experience of each first tier subcontractor that is part of the team as the capabilities, past performance, and experience of the small business prime contractor if the capabilities, past performance, and experience of the small business prime does not independently demonstrate capabilities and past performance necessary for award.

819.7002  Applicability.

Unless otherwise exempted by law, this subpart applies to VA contracting activities and contracts (see FAR 2.101) including BPAs and orders under FAR subpart 8.4 and acquisition of commercial products or commercial services under FAR part 12. In addition, this subpart applies to VA contractors, their subcontractors and to any Government entity that has a contract, agreement, or other arrangement with the VA to acquire goods and services on behalf of the VA (see 817.502). For applicability and VA policy regarding priorities for use of mandatory Government sources see 808.002.

819.7003  Eligibility. (DEVIATION)

(a) SDVOSB/VOSB certification, size eligibility, challenges, and appeals are governed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations at 13 CFR parts 121, 128, and 134, except where directed otherwise by this part.

(b) At the time of submission of offers/quotes, and at the time of award of any contract, the offeror must represent to the contracting officer that it is a—

(1) SDVOSB or VOSB eligible under this subpart;

(2) Small business concern under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to the acquisition; and

(3) Certified SDVOSB/VOSB listed in the SBA certification database at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/ (see 13 CFR 128).

(c) A joint venture may be considered eligible if it meets the requirements in 13 CFR part 128, and the managing joint venture partner makes the representations under paragraph (b) of this section.

(d) To receive a benefit under the Veterans First Contacting Program, an otherwise eligible SDVOSB/VOSB certified pursuant to 13 CFR 128, must also meet SBA requirements at 13 CFR parts 121, 125, and 128 including the nonmanufacturer rule requirements at 13 CFR 121.406(b) and limitations on subcontracting at 13 CFR 125.6. The nonmanufacturer rule (see 13 CFR 121.406) and the limitations on subcontracting requirements apply to all SDVOSB and VOSB set-aside and sole source contracts above the micro-purchase threshold. In addition, an offeror shall submit a certification of compliance to be considered eligible for any award under this part (see 819.7004).

(e) Pursuant to 38 USC 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company’s SDVOSB/VOSB status is subject to debarment from contracting with the Department for a period of not less than five years. This includes the debarment of all principals in the business. See 809.406-270.

819.7004  Limitations on subcontracting compliance requirements. (DEVIATION)

(a) A contract awarded under this subpart is subject to the SBA limitations on subcontracting requirements in 13 CFR 125.6, provided that—

(1) Only certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database are considered eligible and/or “similarly situated” under an SDVOSB sole source or set-aside.

(2) A VOSB is subject to the same limitations on subcontracting that apply to an SDVOSB.

(3) Any certified SDVOSB/VOSB listed in the SBA certification database is considered eligible and/or “similarly situated” under a VOSB sole source or set-aside.

(b) Pursuant to the authority of 38 U.S.C. 8127(l)(2), a contracting officer may award a contract under this subpart only after obtaining from the offeror a certification that the offeror will comply with the limitations on subcontracting requirement as provided in the solicitation and which shall be included in the resultant contract (see 819.7011).

(1) The formal certification must be completed, signed and returned with the offeror’s bid, quotation, or proposal.

(2) The Government will not consider offers for award from offerors that do not provide the certification with their bid, quotation, or proposal, and all such responses will be deemed ineligible for evaluation and award.

(c) An otherwise eligible first tier subcontractor must meet the NAICS size standard assigned by the prime contractor and be listed in the SBA certification database to count as similarly situated. Any work that a first tier certified SDVOSB/VOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the percent of subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded.

(d) An SDVOSB/VOSB awarded a contract on the basis of a set-aside, sole source, or an evaluation preference is required to comply with the limitations on subcontracting either by—

(1) The end of the base term, and then by the end of each subsequent option period; or, by the end of the performance period for each order issued under the contract, at the contracting officer's discretion; and

(2) For an order set aside for SDVOSB/VOSB as described in 808.405 and FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(F), or for an order issued directly to an SDVOSB/VOSB in accordance with FAR 19.504(c)(1)(ii), by the end of the performance period for the order.

(e) The contracting officer may also, at their discretion, require the contractor to demonstrate its compliance with the limitations on subcontracting at any time during performance of the contract, and upon completion of a contract if the information regarding such compliance is not already available to the contracting officer. Evidence of compliance includes, but is not limited to, invoices, copies of subcontracts, or a list of the value of tasks performed.

(f) Pursuant to Public Law 116-183, the Office of the Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) and Chief Acquisition Officer (CAO), will implement a process to monitor compliance with the requirement in this section. The OSDBU and CAO shall jointly refer any violations or suspected violations to the VA Office of Inspector General. This referral obligation does not relieve contracting officers of their obligation to report suspected violations of law to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

(1) If the Secretary or designee determines in consultation with the Inspector General that an SDVOSB/VOSB awarded a contract pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127 did not act in good faith with respect to the requirements described in 819.7003(d), such SDVOSB/VOSB shall be subject to any or all of the following—

(i) Referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee;

(ii) A fine under section 16(g)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 645(g)(1)); and

(iii) Prosecution for violating 18 U.S.C. 1001.

(2) The Inspector General shall report to the Congress annually on the number of referred violations and suspected violations, and the disposition of such violations, including the number of small business concerns suspended or debarred from federal contracting or referred for Department of Justice prosecution.

819.7005  Contracting order of priority.

(a) In determining the acquisition strategy applicable to a procurement requirement not otherwise covered under 808.002, the contracting officer shall observe the order of contracting preferences in 38 U.S.C. 8127(h).

(b) Specifically, preferences for awarding contracts to small business concerns shall be applied in the following order of priority:

(1) Contracts awarded to small business concerns owned and controlled by Veterans with service-connected disabilities as provided in this subpart.

(2) Contracts to small business concerns owned and controlled by Veterans that are not covered by paragraph (b)(1) of this section as provided in this subpart.

(3) Contracts awarded pursuant to—

(i) Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(a) as provided in FAR subpart 19.8; or

(ii) Section 31 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657a) as provided in FAR subpart 19.13.

(4) Contracts awarded pursuant to any other small business set aside contracting preference, with due deference to the priority for awarding to women-owned small businesses as provided in FAR 19.203(b) through (e) and FAR subpart 19.15.

819.7006  VA service-disabled veteran-owned small business set-aside procedures. (DEVIATION)

(a) The contracting officer shall consider SDVOSB set-asides before considering VOSB set-asides. Except as authorized by 808.002, 813.106, 819.7007, and 819.7008, the contracting officer shall set-aside a contract action exceeding the micro-purchase threshold for competition restricted to certified SDVOSBs upon a reasonable expectation based on market research that—

(1) Offers/quotations will be received from two or more eligible certified SDVOSBs; and

(2) Award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers the best value to the Government.

(b) When conducting SDVOSB set-asides, the contracting officer shall ensure that—

(1) Offerors are certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database at the time of submission of offers and at time of award; and

(2) Offerors affirmatively represent their SDVOSB and small business status based on the size standard corresponding to the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to the solicitation/contract, as set forth in 819.7003(b) and (c).

(c) If the contracting officer receives only one acceptable offer at a fair and reasonable price from an eligible certified SDVOSB listed in the SBA certification database, the contracting officer may make an award to that concern. If the contracting officer receives no acceptable offers from eligible SDVOSBs, the set-aside shall be withdrawn and the requirement, if still valid, set aside for VOSB competition if warranted or otherwise procured using the most appropriate strategy based on the results of market research.

819.7007  VA veteran-owned small business set-aside procedures. (DEVIATION)

(a) The contracting officer shall consider SDVOSB set-asides before considering VOSB set-asides. Except as authorized by 808.002, 813.106, 819.7007, and 819.7008, the contracting officer shall set aside a contract action exceeding the micro-purchase threshold for competition restricted to certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database upon a reasonable expectation based on market research that—

(1) Offers/quotations will be received from two or more eligible certified VOSBs; and

(2) Award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers the best value to the Government.

(b) When conducting VOSB set-asides, the contracting officer shall ensure that—

(1) Offerors are certified and listed in the SBA certification database at the time of submission of offers and at time of award; and

(2) Offerors affirmatively represent their SDVOSB/VOSB and small business status based on the size standard corresponding to the NAICS code assigned to the solicitation/contract (see 819.7003(b) and (c)).

(c) If the contracting officer receives only one acceptable offer at a fair and reasonable price from an eligible certified VOSB listed in the SBA certification database in response to a VOSB set-aside, the contracting officer may make an award to that concern. If the contracting officer decides not to make an award to the single acceptable offer received, or if the contracting officer receives no acceptable offers from eligible VOSBs, the set-aside shall be withdrawn and the requirement, if still valid, set aside for other small business programs in accordance with 819.7005 or otherwise procured using the most appropriate strategy based on the results of market research.

819.7008  Sole source awards to verified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. (DEVIATION)

(a) A contracting officer may award a contract to a certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) listed in the SBA certification database using other than competitive procedures provided—

(1) The anticipated award price of the contract (including options) will not exceed $5 million;

(2) The requirement is synopsized and the required justification pursuant to FAR 6.302-5(c)(2)(ii) is posted in accordance with FAR part 5;

(3) The SDVOSB has been determined to be a responsible contractor with respect to performance; and

(4) In the estimation of the contracting officer contract award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the Government.

(b) The contracting officer's determination to make a sole source award is a business decision wholly within the discretion of the contracting officer. To ensure that opportunities are available to the broadest number of SDVOSBs, this authority is to be used only when in the best interest of the Government.

(c) A determination that only one SDVOSB can meet the requirement is not required. However, in accordance with FAR 6.302-5(c)(2)(ii), contracts awarded using this authority shall be supported by a written justification and approval described in FAR 6.303 and 6.304, as applicable.

(d) When conducting a SDVOSB sole source acquisition, the contracting officer shall ensure the business meets eligibility requirements in 819.7003.

(e) A procurement requirement estimated to exceed the legislative threshold of $5 million shall not be split or subdivided to permit the use of this SDVOSB sole source authority.

819.7009  Sole source awards to verified veteran-owned small businesses. (DEVIATION)

(a) A contracting officer may award a contract to a certified veteran-owned small business (VOSB) listed in the SBA certification database using other than competitive procedures provided—

(1) The anticipated award price of the contract (including options) will not exceed $5 million;

(2) The requirement is synopsized and the required justification pursuant to FAR 6.302-5(c)(2)(ii) is posted in accordance with FAR part 5;

(3) The VOSB has been determined to be a responsible contractor with respect to performance;

(4) In the estimation of the contracting officer contract award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the Government; and

(5) No responsible SDVOSB has been identified.

(b) The contracting officer's determination to make a sole source award is a business decision wholly within the discretion of the contracting officer. To ensure that opportunities are available to the broadest number of VOSBs, this authority is to be used only when in the best interest of the Government.

(c) A determination that only one VOSB can meet the requirement is not required. However, in accordance with FAR 6.302-5(c)(2)(ii), contracts awarded using this authority shall be supported by a written justification and approval described in FAR 6.303 and 6.304, as applicable.

(d) When conducting a VOSB sole source acquisition, the contracting officer shall ensure the business meets eligibility requirements in 819.7003.

(e) A procurement requirement estimated to exceed the legislative threshold of $5 million shall not be split or subdivided to permit the use of this VOSB sole source authority.

Deviation per Class Deviation to VAAR 815.101-370 and 819.7010, Tiered Set-Aside Evaluation, dated July 28, 2023, to move the coverage at 819.7010, Tiered set-aside Evaluation, to 815.101-370, Tiered set-aside evaluation. This deviation expires when incorporated into the VAAR or is otherwise rescinded.

819.7010  [Reserved.] (DEVIATION)

819.7011  Contract clauses. (DEVIATION)

(a) The contracting officer shall insert clause 852.219-73, VA Notice of Total Set-Aside for Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, or clause 852.219-74, VA Notice of Total Set-Aside for Certified Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, as applicable, in solicitations, orders and contracts that are set-aside, reserved, evaluated or awarded under this subpart. This includes sole source awards as well as multiple-award contracts when orders may be set aside for certified SDVOSBs/VOSBs as described in 808.405 and FAR 19.504(c)(1)(ii).

(b) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 852.219-75, VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting—Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction, in solicitations and contracts for services and construction, including BPAs, BOAs, and orders, for acquisitions that are evaluated, set-aside, or awarded on a sole source basis under this subpart. This includes orders awarded under multiple-award contracts to certified SDVOSBs/VOSBs.

(c) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 852.219-76, VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting—Certificate of Compliance for Supplies and Products, in solicitations and contracts for supplies or products, including BPAs, BOAs, and orders, for acquisitions that are to be awarded on the basis of an SDVOSB/VOSB set-aside, sole source, or an evaluation preference under this subpart. This includes orders awarded under multiple-award contracts to certified SDVOSBs/VOSBs. The contracting officer shall tailor clause 852.219-76, and paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of the clause, as appropriate.

Subpart 819.71 - [Reserved.]

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