Small Business Set Aside for Simplified Acquisitions Takes Priority Over FSS

Companies should be aware that http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/L_Field%2001_21_12-%20attch%202.pdf small business set asides are mandatory for acquisitions valued from $3,000 to $150,000 and take priority over GSA Schedule contracts, although a contracting officer can set-aside an order for small businesses

The simplified acquisition and subcontracting thresholds are among several acquisition ceilings that will increase on Oct. 1, 2010.  The Federal Acquisition Councils issued a final rule today detailing several changes, including increasing the simplified acquisition threshold to $150,000 from $100,000.
The simplified acquisition threshold governs when agencies can buy products or services more quickly, more economically and with a focus on small businesses.
In another significant change, prime vendors will have to submit subcontracting plan on all contracts worth more than $650,000 instead of $500,000.
The FAR Councils state that the final rule doesn't change from the proposed rule issued in February.
Other changes in the final rule include:

• The FedBizOpps pre-award and post-award notices remain at $25,000 because of trade agreements.
• Commercial items test program ceiling is raised from to $6.5 million from $5.5 million.
• The cost or pricing data threshold is raised to $700,000 from $650,000.
• The Miller Act threshold is raised by this rule to $150,000 from $100,000. The Miller Act requires payment and performance bonds when agencies acquire construction services at rates higher than the threshold.

Companies should be aware that http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/L_Field%2001_21_12-%20attch%202.pdf small business set asides are mandatory for acquisitions valued from $3,000 to $150,000 and take priority over GSA Schedule contracts, although a contracting officer can set-aside an order for small businesses..