E.  Discretionary Use of the 8(a) Program

Comment: One respondent commented that revisions to FAR 19.800(e) suggest that the use of the 8(a) program rather than a small business set-aside is discretionary.

Response: For acquisitions above the SAT, the contracting officer shall consider an award under the 8(a) program before considering a general small business set-aside. An acquisition offered under the 8(a) program shall be awarded on the basis of competition when the conditions in FAR 19.805-1 are met. Below the SAT, the contracting officer has the discretion to award a general small business set-aside or to utilize the 8(a) program. FAR 19.800(e) is revised to clarify that the contracting officer shall consider 8(a) set-asides or sole source awards before considering a general small business set-aside.