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.
Simple Explanation
The government wants to make it easier for small businesses to get important work by changing some rules. But, these changes could make things more complicated and expensive without knowing if it's really worth it.