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!

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.
 

Section 1331 of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 authorized discretionary use of set-asides against multiple award contracts (i.e. Multiple Award Schedules).  This includes setting-aside orders to 8(a) contractors. The provision did not authorize the use of sole-sourcing under the various small business programs.