GSA eBuy is “Set-Aside” Ready!

In a recent blog post, GSA Interact announced that ordering activities may utilize GSA eBuy, GSA’s online request for quote system, when posting requirements for small business set-aside orders; such requirements will only be viewable by eligible Schedule contract holders.  For example, if a requirement is set-aside for service disabled veteran-owned and veteran-owned small business concerns, then only FSS contractors that are classified as veteran-owned small businesses will be able to view the RFQ.  Any quotes from Schedule contractors who are not eligible for the set-aside will not be considered for award.

Pursuant to the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, Contracting Officers may, at their discretion, set-aside orders (FAR 52.219-13) for the following categories (FAR 19.000(a)(3)):

• Small Businesses
• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
• Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business
• Women-Owned Small Businesses eligible under the Women-Owned Small Business Program
• 8(a) Business Development Participants
• HUBZone Small Business Concerns

When setting-aside a requirement for one of the small business categories, Contracting Officers must abide by the same competition rules set forth in FAR 8.405, including market research, to determine whether there are a sufficient number of small businesses capable of providing the product or performing the desired work.  The below table summarizes competition strategies for set-aside orders under this authority.