Search Results for keywords:"small business set-asides"

The Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and NASA have proposed changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to improve small business participation in multiple-award contracts. This proposal aims to expand the use of small business set-asides, promote more coordination with small business specialists during planning, and increase opportunities for small businesses to win government contracts. It introduces stricter documentation and coordination requirements for agencies, especially when opting not to set aside projects for small businesses, and discusses using tools like "on-ramps" to include more small businesses in long-term contracts. These changes are intended to boost competition and economic strength by involving more small businesses in government contracts.

The Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and NASA are proposing changes to clarify the rules about protests concerning orders under certain multiple-award contracts in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). This proposed rule aims to make it clear that a contracting officer's decision to set aside or not set aside an order for small businesses is a discretionary action that cannot be the sole basis for a protest. The agencies believe that this rule will help reduce unnecessary protests and save time and resources for contractors and the government. They also invite public comments on the expected impact of this rule on small businesses.