FAR 52.219-6: Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside
Official federal procurement regulation analysis, contractor performance obligations, and risk mitigation strategies for small businesses.
What It Means in Plain English
Specifies that the procurement is totally reserved for small business concerns. Offers received from firms that do not qualify as small businesses under the solicitation's designated NAICS code will be rejected as non-responsive.
Included in all total small business set-aside solicitations and contracts exceeding the micro-purchase threshold.
Mandatory Statutory Requirements
- Strict Size Eligibility: Offerors must qualify as small business concerns under the size standard for the NAICS code assigned to the solicitation at the date of initial proposal submission.
- Nonmanufacturer Rule: On supply set-asides, if the contractor is not the manufacturer, it must provide products made by a domestic small business manufacturer unless an SBA class waiver exists.
- Joint Venture Compliance: Joint ventures are permitted provided all SBA affiliation and mentor-protégé requirements under 13 CFR 121 are met.
Contractor Compliance Obligations
- Verify that your SAM.gov registration includes the exact NAICS code specified in the solicitation.
- Ensure your 5-year average annual gross revenue or employee count does not exceed the published SBA size limit.
Bidding on a set-aside when your business has exceeded the size standard before submitting the bid can lead to size protests from competitors and debarment.
Frequently Asked Questions About FAR 52.219-6
When is my small business size determined?
Size is determined as of the date the offeror submits its initial written proposal containing pricing to the contracting agency.