(a) On proposed awards exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, the contracting officer should consider requesting a preaward survey (see
FAR 9.106) before determining that a responsive small business firm is not responsible. The scope of the preaward survey request should be limited to those elements of responsibility that are questioned.
(2) The contracting officer shall forward a copy of the referral to SBA through the procurement officer to the Headquarters Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (Code K).
