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FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 6: Competition Requirements › Subpart 6.2

FAR 6.203 Set-asides for small business concerns.

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 allows contracting officers to set aside solicitations so that only small business concerns can compete, including actions under the Small Business Innovation Research Program. It also clarifies that no separate justification or determination and findings is required under this part to set aside a contract action for small business concerns. Contractors should know that set-asides are a permitted tool for small business participation and that Subpart 19.5 policies and procedures must be followed.

Applies to: Contracting officers and small business concerns competing for contract actions

What it requires

  • Follow the policies and procedures in Subpart 19.5 with respect to set-asides.

Key terms: set aside · small business concerns · contracting officers · Small Business Innovation Research Program · determination and findings

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

The text

(a) To fulfill the statutory requirements relating to small business concerns, contracting officers may set aside solicitations to allow only such business concerns to compete. This includes contract actions conducted under the Small Business Innovation Research Program established under Pub. L. 97-219.

(b) No separate justification or determination and findings is required under this part to set aside a contract action for small business concerns.

(c) Subpart 19.5 prescribes policies and procedures that shall be followed with respect to set-asides.

← 6.202 Establishing or maintaining alternative sources. · 6.204 Section 8(a) competition. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 6

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

FAR 6.203 Set-asides for small business concerns · SpendQuery