A contracting officer intending to award a contract to an 8(a) program participant shall independently determine the responsibility of the firm in accordance with the guidance contained in FAR, DFARS, and DLAD Subpart 9.1 whenever there is any question of the concern’s ability to perform the contract. This may include conduct of a preaward survey, as appropriate. Negative or inconclusive responsibility determination results for an 8(a) program participant shall be referred to the SBA for Certificate of Competency consideration; see FAR, DFARS and DLAD Subpart 19.6. Notwithstanding this determination, the SBA remains the prime contractor on all 8(a) contracts, and continues to determine eligibility of such concerns for contract award. See DFARS 219.800.
