Socioeconomic Programs & Small Business Flashcards

A contracting officer receives a size protest against the apparent successful offeror on a small business set-aside. By when must an offeror's protest generally be received to be timely for a negotiated acquisition?

Answer: Within 5 business days after receipt of notification of the apparent successful offeror

FAR 19.302 requires a size protest in a negotiated acquisition to be received within 5 business days after the offeror receives the CO's pre-award notice of the apparent successful offeror.

For size status purposes on a set-aside, as of what date does SBA generally determine whether a concern is small?

Answer: The date of the concern's initial offer that includes price

Under SBA rules (13 CFR 121.404), size is determined as of the date the concern submits its initial offer including price.

An 8(a) firm is awarded a services set-aside contract. Under the limitations on subcontracting, what is the maximum share of the amount paid by the government that it may pay to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities?

Answer: 50 percent

For services (other than construction), FAR 52.219-14 limits payments to non-similarly situated subcontractors to 50 percent of the amount paid to the prime.

A contracting officer determines a small business low offeror is nonresponsible due to lack of capacity. What must the CO generally do before awarding to another offeror?

Answer: Refer the matter to SBA for a possible Certificate of Competency

FAR 19.6 requires referral of a small business found nonresponsible to SBA, which may issue a binding Certificate of Competency.

In a full and open competition, how does the HUBZone price evaluation preference work when the low offeror is not a HUBZone small business?

Answer: 10 percent is added to the offers of non-HUBZone, other-than-small concerns

FAR 19.1307 adds a factor of 10 percent to offers from non-HUBZone concerns (other than small businesses) when evaluating against a HUBZone offer.

A small business wants to challenge the NAICS code a contracting officer assigned to a solicitation. Where and when must the appeal be filed?

Answer: With the SBA Office of Hearings and Appeals within 10 calendar days after the solicitation is issued

NAICS code appeals go to SBA's OHA and must be filed within 10 calendar days after issuance of the solicitation or amendment affecting the code.

Which statement best describes the order of precedence among the 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB programs when an acquisition exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold?

Answer: No order of precedence exists; the CO considers factors such as market research results and agency goals

FAR 19.203 establishes parity among these programs, leaving the choice to the CO based on market research, progress toward goals, and the program's requirements.