[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 48, Volume 5] [Revised as of October 1, 2006] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 48CFR819.202-70] [Page 186] TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM CHAPTER 8--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PART 819_SMALL BUSINESS AND SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS CONCERNS--Table of Contents Subpart 819.2_Policies Sec. 819.202-70 Additional responsibilities. In addition to the duties designated in FAR 19.202, VA contracting officers will perform the following functions in furtherance of the small business program: (a) Develop a plan of operation to increase the share of contracts and purchase orders awarded to small business, including veteran, and Vietnam era and disabled veteran-owned concerns. (b) Promote the disadvantaged business program through the SBA 8(a) procedures set forth in Subpart 819.8. (c) Review the types and classes of items and services to be purchased to determine the applicability of individual small business set-asides. Class set-asides, established in accordance with criteria in FAR 19.503, shall be reviewed at least annually to determine whether items or services procured under a unilateral or joint set-aside should be modified or withdrawn. Updated lists of acquisitions reserved for small business on a class basis shall be maintained by heads of contracting activities. (d) On an annual basis, VA acquisition personnel shall request a Procurement Automated Source System (PASS) listing of veteran-owned, including Vietnam era and disabled, and woman-owned businesses capable of meeting identified requirements. Acquisition personnel will utilize PASS as a primary source file. Firms identified on the PASS list shall be included on solicitation mailing lists. (e) Assure that small business firms are identified on bid abstracts. (f) Assure that specifications are not unduly restrictive, thereby enabling small business participation to the maximum extent feasible. (g) Assist and counsel small business firms with individual problems. (h) Provide for counseling nonresponsive or nonresponsible small business bidders to help qualify them for future awards. (i) Attend conferences and meetings publicizing the small business program. (j) Promote the award of research contracts to small business firms. (k) Promote goals for small business, small business set-asides, small business subcontracting, 8(a) procurements, and purchases from women-owned businesses. (l) Review all urgent and sole source procurements to determine that they are sparingly made, thoroughly documented and approved by the head of the contracting activity. (m) If the acquisition activity is assigned an SBA Procurement Center Representative (PCR), assure that the representative is provided logistical support, cooperation, and access to all reasonably obtainable contract information directly pertinent to the PCR's official duties. (n) Encourage technical and requirements personnel to identify veteran-owned and women-owned small business sources. (o) Assure that plans are forwarded as specified in FAR 19.705-6(b). [49 FR 12608, Mar. 29, 1984, as amended at 50 FR 792, Jan. 7, 1985; 51 FR 23070, June 25, 1986; 52 FR 28559, July 31, 1987; 55 FR 49900, Dec. 3, 1990; 56 FR 44011, Sept. 6, 1991; 63 FR 69220, Dec. 16, 1998]