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When can a contracting officer issue an 8(a) sole-source award, and what are the dollar thresholds?

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My 8(a) firm recently responded to a sources sought notice for a federal staffing requirement, NAICS code 561320, Temporary Help Services. We're trying to figure out if this could be an 8(a) sole-source award. We've been told by a mentor that there are specific dollar thresholds the contracting officer has to follow for 8(a) sole sources versus competitive 8(a) awards. I know our program term is nine years, and we're in the developmental stage, but I'm not clear on how that affects a sole source. What are the specific dollar thresholds for an 8(a) sole-source award, and what other conditions must be met for an agency to issue one?

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asked Keisha W. Verified vendor8(a) firm founder, staffing and training · Atlanta, GA · 652 rep

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An 8(a) sole-source award can be issued when the anticipated total value of the contract, including options, does not exceed $8.5 million for manufacturing NAICS codes or $5.5 million for all other acquisitions, such as your staffing requirement (FAR 19.805-1(a)).

The contracting officer must also determine that the firm is a responsible contractor and that the award can be made at a fair and reasonable price. The agency cannot break down a requirement above the competitive threshold into smaller parts just to use 8(a) sole-source procedures (FAR 19.805-1(c)).

Your firm's status in the developmental stage of the 8(a) Business Development Program does not directly affect the dollar thresholds for sole-source awards. The program term of nine years, with the first four years being the developmental stage and the last five years being the transitional stage, primarily governs your firm's overall participation in the program. The key factors for a sole source are the dollar value of the requirement and the contracting officer's determination.

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answered Grace L. Verified vendorGSA Schedule contract holder, office products and services · Chicago, IL · 646 rep

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Sign up to answerCite the FAR clause or procurement code where you can.

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