“… The 8(a) business development program will have updated and clarified requirements starting Nov. 6 in an effort to “more clearly articulate SBA’s intent with regard to certain aspects of the 8(a) program to eliminate confusion and decrease burdens on procuring activities and 8(a) participants,” the final rule stated.
The FAR Council finalized the Small Business Administration’s changes to the 8(a) program earlier this week. However, prior public comments showed mixed support for the rule, which would move some contracts out of the 8(a) program.
Specifically, it merges the 8(a) business development mentor-protégé program and the all small mentor-protégé program to minimize confusion and redundancy. It removes the requirement for small businesses seeking a contract as a joint venture to submit a joint venture agreement to SBA and changes several program regulations to lessen burdens.
Furthermore, it requires contracting officers to notify SBA for certain activities, namely: “contracting officers are required to submit blanket purchase agreements (BPAs) issued under FAR part 13 and FAR part 13 BPA orders in the 8(a) Program to SBA for acceptance,” the final rule said. “Contracting officers are also required to notify SBA of follow-on, non-8(a) procurements and should notify SBA when a mandatory source will be utilized for a follow-on to an 8(a) contract…”
Source: FAR Council updates whistleblower protection, small business rules. By Kirsten Errick, October 6, 2023. Federal News Network.
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