SBA proposed rule would set aside more task orders for small businesses
The SBA dropped a bombshell proposed rule last week that it estimates could result in an additional $6 billion in government contract task or delivery orders going to small businesses . The rule would confirm that the the advantageous (though occasionally maligned) Rule of Two applies to competitions under multiple award contracts (MACs). The increased use of large multi-award contracts helps and hurts small businesses These huge contracting vehicles—Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts, Multi-Agency Contracts, Blanket Purchase Agreements—are generally indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (“IDIQ”) where those companies that hold the contracts later compete for task or delivery orders placed by authorized agencies. Over the last decade or so, these vehicles have grown in popularity. Though they almost always include a small business reserve, some advocates have complained that the small businesses even if they are awarded ar...