8(a) Sole Source Process

8(a) Regulations:

Federal law allows Agencies to award sole source contracts to the SBA on behalf of an eligible 8(a) firm of their choice. Contracts can be awarded in limits up to $6.5 million for manufacturing NAICS codes and $4.0 million for all other contracts.
 

8(a) Benefits & Advantages:

• Streamlined acquisitions process
• Support mission readiness…alleviates 60-90 days acquisition time
• Qualified contractor of choice
• Obtainment of 8(a) small business goals
• Expedited negotiations

How to award a streamlined 8(a) Sole Source Contract:

1. Discuss project with ACS and establish technical requirements, a time frame, and a price estimate.
2. Contact your Contracting Officer (KO), Agency Small Business Specialist, or Mr. Dan Lucero, SBA Business Development Specialist supporting ACS, for assistance and provide a package that includes the requirements description, estimated period of performance, applicable NAICS code, anticipated dollar value, etc. 1AW FAR19.804-2 “Agency Offering”. (ACS can help you prepare this package.)
3. The KO will send an Offering Letter to the SBA requesting permission to conduct sole source negotiations with ACS. (ACS will have already alerted their Business Development Specialist to expect the package in order to expedite the process.)
4. The SBA confirms eligibility of ACS and authorizes the negotiations.
5. The KO negotiates with ACS.
   • Simplified Acquisition efforts do not require a technical proposal; the KO sends RFQ to ACS requesting cost proposal; upon receipt, KO negotiates cost and terms with ACS
   • If the estimate exceeds the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, the KO sends RFP to ACS requesting technical and cost proposals; upon receipt, KO negotiates cost and terms with ACS.
6. Upon completion of negotiations, KO prepares a contract award document and sends to ACS for signature.
7. Upon receipt of the executed contract from ACS, the KO signs contract and sends it to the SBA.
8. Contract performance begins.

This entire acquisition process should be two weeks or less in duration.

Printable 8(a) Sole Source Guide »