In accordance with SBA regulations the 8(a) Sole Source Award Program allows federal agencies to waive the government mandated “competition” rule for requirements that can be performed by two or more eligible firms, by negotiating directly with a particular 8(a) firm. This is the only Federal program nationwide that allows this type of sole source award. For an 8(a) sole source (also called “direct negotiation”) valued under $6.5M, there is no Justification & Approval (J&A) required. J&As are a formal document which detail the authority, rationale, and other information supporting an instance of contracting without using full-and-open competition. For more information on this refer to statute 6.303-2(d).

1. The end-user contacts the Contracting Officer (CO) via email or written letter to request their procurement be purchased through an 8(a) Sole Source Vehicle. An end user requesting an 8(a) sole source set aside contract is exempt from the requirement to write a Justification & Approval (J&A) letter per FAR 6.302- 5(c)(2)(iii).

2. The end-user submits a capabilities statement of Strategic Advanced Communications (SAC) to the CO.

Click on the link to view the statement. Strategic Advanced Communications Capabilities Statement

3. The end-user submits the contact information of SAC’s Small Business Administration (SBA) officer, listed below:

Robert A. Coffey
Supervisory Business Opportunity Specialist
United States Small Business Administration (Kentucky District Office)
Phone: (502) 582-5971 x266
Email: robert.coffey@sba.gov

4. Important: Submit the Contracting Officer’s (CO) contact information to Strategic Advanced Communications with the Purchase Request (PR) number (if applicable) assigned to your Bill of Materials. Mr. Coffey from the SBA will send a letter/email to the CO acknowledging the sole source request and will validate to the Contracting Officer the competencies of Strategic Advanced Communications.

1. The CO composes an “offer” letter to Mr. Coffey, the SBA official assigned to SAC. The letter “offers” the requirement to the 8(a) program. Upon SBA approval of the offer letter from the CO, an “acceptance” letter is then sent to the CO.

2. Negotiation process between the CO and SAC can now begin. Pricing and validation is discussed in the negotiation process.

3. The CO completes a SF1449 form awarding the contract to SAC through the 8(a) Sole Source Vehicle. If the CO needs assistance in writing an “offer” letter or preparing a SF1449, please contact:

Robert A. Coffey
Supervisory Business Opportunity Specialist
United States Small Business Administration (Kentucky District Office)
Phone: (502) 582-5971 x266
Email: robert.coffey@sba.gov

4. The 8(a) program contracting procedures can be found at FAR 19.8. See the link below:

5. Agencies/departments reporting to the Federal branch have their own supplemental regulations.

The DoD utilizes DFARS. In addition, The Marines and Navy utilize NMCARS. In short, a Marine Corps CO must conduct business while adhering to FAR, DFARS, and NMCARS.

To view and download our 8(a) Sole Source Award Program Click Here