Why do all members of the CTA have to be small businesses if an agency uses a small business set aside for their requirement?

It seems that Brad and I are receiving quite a few calls on this subject lately. I guess that is to be expected with the inception of discretionary set asides for the GSA schedules program as of November 2011.  Currently, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is working on developing policies in reference to set asides.

The GSA Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) program provides agencies with great flexibility to meet and exceed Federal small business spending goals.

Thursday, June 14, 2012
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EST
Credit=1 Continuous Learning Point (CLP)

Join us for this Small Business Utilization training online and receive one (1) continuous learning point (CLP).  Learn how the FAR has changed to provide agencies with the discretionary authority to set-aside orders against multiple award contracts for small business.

Mahruba Uddowla, GSA MAS Program Analyst, finishes off the Small Business Utilization series with a few frequently asked questions regarding set aside orders, recertification processes, and evaluation factors. To end the series, Mahruba also provides RFQ language samples, helpful links and a step by step approach for reaching small businesses under Schedules.  Click here to watch this video on YouTube.

Be sure to return next Wednesday as we kickoff the GSA Training: Buy Green series!

In this video clip from the Small Business Utilization series, Mahruba Uddowla of the GSA Multiple Award Schedules Office continues with the frequently asked questions section. She provides information regarding the eBuy site, set-aside orders, and FAR 8.405-5(a)(2)(ii).  Click here to watch this video on YouTube.

Tune in next week as we wrap up the Small Business Utilization series with the final video!

eBuy, GSA’s request-for-quote (RFQ) system, has been updated to facilitate set-asides.
 
Now you can choose whether your requirement will be set-aside for small business or another small business category.  If you decide to set-aside the requirement, then the RFQ will be viewable only by eligible Schedule contractors. For example, only HubZone Schedule contractors could view a RFQ set-aside for HubZone small business concerns.
 

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is one of the premier advocates of small businesses.  While small business set-asides are not allowed under the VA Federal Supply Schedules Program, we seek to utilize small businesses as much as possible.

In fact, for purchases made under the VA Federal Supply Schedule Program, VA ordering facilities may: