Procurement procedure · Free
8(a) Sole Source & Direct Award
8(a) offer/acceptance, sole-source thresholds, competitive 8(a)
What wins points
Use a documented sole‑source justification under FAR 19.8 and include required FAR clauses to demonstrate compliance.
What gets bids disqualified
Missing 8(a) certification, no SBA delegation, or omitted FAR 52.212‑1/52.219‑14 leads to disqualification.
Evaluator's view
Show the contracting officer’s signed justification and attach FAR clause references; this proves responsiveness.
8(a) Sole Source & Direct Award
What this is
A procurement method where the Small Business Administration (SBA) awards a contract directly to an eligible 8(a) participant without full competition. It can be used when only one qualified 8(a) firm can satisfy the requirement or when the agency determines a sole source award is justified.
When you need it
- Acquisition lanes: Any contract covered by the 8(a) Business Development Program, including simplified acquisitions, sealed bids, negotiated procurements, and commercial purchases where an 8(a) participant is uniquely qualified.
- Mandatory for agencies when the SBA certifies that only one eligible 8(a) firm can meet the need (see FAR Subpart 19.8).
How to fill it in
- Confirm eligibility – Verify the contractor is an active 8(a) participant using SAM’s size & status tables. (Reference: S5)
- Determine sole‑source justification – Cite the SBA’s authority that “Contracts may be awarded to the SBA for performance by eligible 8(a) participants on either a sole source or competitive basis.”【S13】
- Document the rationale – Explain why no other firm can perform the work (technical capability, unique location, etc.) and reference the solicitation’s Section L.
- Obtain contracting officer sign‑off – The CO must “consider 8(a) set‑asides or sole source awards before considering small business set‑aside”【S13】
- Include required clauses – Insert FAR 52.212‑1 (Commercial Products/Services) and FAR 52.219‑14 (Limitations on Subcontracting) in the solicitation.
- Record in SAM – Update the contractor’s 8(a) status and any SBA award notices before award issuance.
Template
[CONTRACTING OFFICER] Sole‑Source 8(a) Direct Award Justification: 1. Contractor Name: ______________________ 2. 8(a) Certification No.: _______________ 3. Reason sole source is required (technical, geographic, unique capability): _____________________________________________ 4. SBA delegation reference: ____________________ 5. Required FAR clauses attached: FAR 52.212‑1, FAR 52.219‑14 6. Signature of CO: __________ Date: ____/____/____
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