8(a) program

• Agencies must justify large contracts to 8(a) firms

  The FAR Councils are adding a new set of controls to contracts worth more than $20 million going to vendors in the socioeconomic program. This interim rule is in reaction to problems that surfaced last year when 8(a) firms were passing most of the work under the award to large businesses. Agencies also have new requirements to determine the order of priority for small business programs, around multiple-award contracts and when to use other than firm-fixed price contracts.

  Management

  March 16, 2011
• FAR Council seeks input on changes to 8(a) program

  The council will hold three meetings with Alaskan Native and Native American vendors to seek their ideas on how best to write new regulations for sole source contracts in the 8(a) business development program. Congress required new rules for when agencies can give these firms sole source contracts worth more than $20 million.

  Management

  August 31, 2010
• GSA issues draft follow on to 8(a) Stars contract

  In a notice on FedBizOpps.gov, GSA says as of now the contract will include two levels with four functional areas in each level.

  Management

  February 27, 2009