6.  Order of Precedence Among the WOSB Program and Other Small Business and Socioeconomic Contracting Programs

Comment: One respondent commented that the interim rule implementing the WOSB Program did not revise FAR 19.203(c) to include WOSB concerns eligible under the WOSB Program in the list of programs to be considered before using a small business set-aside pursuant to FAR 19.502-2(b). The interim rule, therefore, creates some uncertainty as to whether a contracting officer must first consider an acquisition under section 8(a), HUBZone, or service-disabled veteran-owned small business programs before he or she can properly set-aside an acquisition for competition among WOSB concerns eligible under the WOSB Program or EDWOSB concerns.

Response: The interim rule did revise FAR 19.203(c) by adding WOSB programs.