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FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 19: Small Business Programs › Subpart 19.8

FAR 19.809-1 Preaward survey.

The codified text (eCFR, as of 2026-10-02). Under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul ↗, agencies follow class deviations with new text for many parts while the formal rules go through the Federal Register: check the solicitation and your contract's clauses, which rule.

In plain English

This section tells the contracting officer when to request a preaward survey of an 8(a) participant and what to do if the survey raises substantial doubt about the participant's ability to perform. If substantial doubt exists, the contracting officer must refer the matter to the SBA for Certificate of Competency consideration. This matters because it can affect whether an 8(a) participant is found capable of receiving the award.

Applies to: Contracting officers and 8(a) participants

What it requires

  • Refer the matter to SBA for Certificate of Competency consideration if the preaward survey or other information raises substantial doubt about the participant's ability to perform.

Key terms: preaward survey · 8(a) participant · Certificate of Competency · SBA · substantial doubt

Written by AI from this section's text. A guide, not legal advice: the text below rules.

The text

The contracting officer should request a preaward survey of the 8(a) participant whenever considered useful. If the results of the preaward survey or other information available to the contracting officer raise substantial doubt as to the participant's ability to perform, the contracting officer shall refer the matter to SBA for Certificate of Competency consideration under subpart 19.6.

← 19.809 Preaward considerations. · 19.809-2 Limitations on subcontracting and nonmanufacturer rule. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 19

Source: eCFR, 48 CFR chapters 1 and 2 (GPO GovInfo bulk data) ↗. Plain words for the terms: glossary.

FAR 19.809-1 Preaward survey · SpendQuery