SpendQueryBeta

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

FAR 19.816 Exiting the 8(a) program.

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 explains what happens when a contractor leaves the 8(a) program. After exiting, the contractor cannot receive new 8(a) contracts, but must still finish existing contracts and any priced options that are exercised. There are limited exceptions for suspended contractors and for contractors who completed their term of participation.

Applies to: 8(a) program contractors who exit or are suspended from the program

What it requires

  • Complete existing contracts and any priced options that may be exercised after exiting the 8(a) program

Key terms: 8(a) program · priced options · suspended · term of participation · competitive 8(a) contract

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

The text

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, when a contractor exits the 8(a) program, it is no longer eligible to receive new 8(a) contracts. However, the contractor remains under contractual obligation to complete existing contracts, and any priced options that may be exercised.

(b) If an 8(a) contractor is suspended from the program (see 13 CFR 124.305), it may not receive any new 8(a) contracts unless the head of the contracting agency makes a determination that it is in the best interest of the Government to issue the award and SBA adopts that determination.

(c) A contractor that has completed its term of participation in the 8(a) program may be awarded a competitive 8(a) contract if it was an 8(a) participant eligible for award of the contract on the initial date specified for receipt of offers contained in the solicitation, and if the contractor continues to meet all other applicable eligibility criteria (see 13 CFR 124.507(d)).

(d) SBA's regulations on exiting the 8(a) program are found at 13 CFR 124.301 through 124.305, and 13 CFR 124.507(d).

Sections that refer to it

← 19.815 Release and notification requirements for non-8(a) procurement. · 19.1301 General. →

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 19.816 Exiting the 8(a) program · SpendQuery