(a) The contracting activity must notify the Associate Director, Small Business Programs of the intent to proceed with the acquisition without further regard to the 8(a) procedures. Withdrawal of the 8(a) commitment must be documented.
(b) When direct negotiation with an 8(a) subcontractor does not proceed satisfactorily, the contracting officer must ask the SBA to enter negotiations promptly to expedite the award.
[AFARS Revision #21, dated May 22, 2007]
