Introduction to NITAAC GWACs

For the CIO-CS and CIO-SP3 Small Business contract vehicles, small businesses can qualify for set-asides in the following socio-economic categories, as outlined in FAR 19.000 (a)(3):

• Small business: These businesses are often the backbone of the economy, creating jobs and driving innovation (Ferguson, Hoover & Lucy, 2024).
• 8(a) participants: Small businesses that have been certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as socially and economically disadvantaged. These businesses are eligible for various government contracting opportunities and assistance programs (U.S. Small Business Administration, 2024a). 8(a) contract holders continue to have 8(a) status throughout the life of the contract even though they may be recertified and become large businesses. However, review the Memo on the 8(a) Program Digital Service Initiative for exceptions to this rule and for removal from the program (U.S. Small Business Administration, 2016).
• HUBZone small business: Small businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones). These zones are designated by the SBA as areas with high unemployment and low economic development. HUBZone-certified small businesses are eligible for preferential treatment in government contracting (U.S. Small Business Administration, 2024b).
• Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB): Small businesses that are majority-owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. These businesses are eligible for various government contracting opportunities and assistance programs (U.S. Small Business Administration, 2024c).
• Women-owned small business (WOSB): Small businesses owned and controlled by women who are economically disadvantaged or who are veterans. These businesses are eligible for various government contracting opportunities and assistance programs (U.S. Small Business Administration, 2024d).

This practice ensures that small businesses have opportunities to compete and succeed in the federal marketplace against more established businesses.

How NITAAC Helps Identify Small Business Set-Asides in Contracts

NITAAC offers two powerful tools to help COs and acquisition professionals identify small business contract holders within each socio-economic category:

1. NITAAC Contract Holder Directory: The directory allows users to filter contract holders based on their socio-economic status, providing easy access to the most suitable contract holders. (For more details, see Watch: Navigating NITAAC Contract Holder Directory).
2. e-GOS: NITAAC’s electronic ordering system, e-GOS, enables acquisition professionals to filter contract holders by socio-economic category when creating task or delivery orders or conducting market research requests. When creating an order, the system automatically displays the number of qualified contract holders who can fulfill small business set-aside needs, making it easier to meet socio-economic contracting goals. This ensures that set-asides can be easily applied during the procurement or ordering process.

These tools streamline the process of identifying small businesses and help federal agencies meet their contracting goals.

References

Ferguson, S., Hoover, M., & Lucy, I. (2024, May 20). Small Business Data Center. U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). (2016, December 20). 8(a) Program Digital Service Initiative. Chief Acquisition Officers and Small Business Program Office Directors.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). (2024a, June 28). 8(a) Business Development program.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). (2024b, July 18). HUBZone program.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). (2024c, June 28). Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business program.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). (2024d, June 28). Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract program.