FAR 18.115—HUBZone sole source awards.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 18.115 is a short cross-reference provision that confirms agencies may make sole source awards to Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) small business concerns when the conditions in FAR 19.1306 are met. It does not itself create the full eligibility test or award procedure; instead, it points contracting officers to the HUBZone sole source authority in the small business regulations. In practice, this section matters because it tells acquisition personnel that HUBZone sole source awards are an available tool in appropriate circumstances, including during urgent or otherwise accelerated acquisitions where a sole source approach may be justified. The section is limited to the basic availability of the authority and does not address set-aside competition, price reasonableness, documentation, or approval steps, all of which must be handled under the referenced HUBZone rule. For contractors, it signals that HUBZone-certified firms may be eligible for direct awards without competition when the regulatory conditions are satisfied. For contracting officers, it serves as a reminder to evaluate HUBZone sole source authority as part of the acquisition strategy, but only by applying the detailed requirements in FAR 19.1306.
Key Rules
Sole source authority exists
Agencies may award contracts directly to HUBZone small business concerns on a sole source basis. This section confirms the authority exists, but it does not by itself state the eligibility thresholds or procedural limits.
Must follow FAR 19.1306
The operative requirements for using HUBZone sole source awards are found in FAR 19.1306. Contracting officers must apply that section for the specific conditions, limitations, and documentation needed before making the award.
Applies to HUBZone small businesses
The authority is limited to Historically Underutilized Business Zone small business concerns. A firm must qualify as a HUBZone concern under the small business rules to be considered for this type of award.
Cross-reference only
This provision is not a stand-alone award procedure. It functions as a pointer to the detailed HUBZone sole source rules and should be read together with the small business program requirements.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether a HUBZone sole source award is permissible under FAR 19.1306, document the basis for using sole source authority, and ensure the award complies with all applicable HUBZone and acquisition requirements.
Agency
Use HUBZone sole source authority only when the acquisition strategy and program rules support it, and ensure internal procedures, approvals, and oversight align with the referenced HUBZone regulations.
HUBZone Small Business Concern
Maintain HUBZone eligibility and be prepared to demonstrate qualification under the small business program rules when seeking or receiving a sole source award.
Small Business Administration / HUBZone Program Authorities
Provide the regulatory framework and eligibility standards that govern HUBZone status and sole source award conditions, as incorporated by FAR 19.1306.
Practical Implications
This section is a signal to check the HUBZone rules, not a complete checklist. Contracting officers should not rely on FAR 18.115 alone when deciding whether a sole source award is allowed.
The main pitfall is assuming HUBZone status automatically permits a direct award. Eligibility, dollar thresholds, and other conditions come from FAR 19.1306 and must be satisfied first.
Because the provision is brief and cross-referential, documentation is critical. The file should show why HUBZone sole source authority was available and how the referenced requirements were met.
For contractors, HUBZone certification can create a direct-award opportunity, but only if the firm remains eligible at the time of award and complies with any program-specific requirements.
In urgent acquisitions, this authority may be useful, but it does not eliminate the need for market research, price reasonableness analysis, or other acquisition planning steps required by the broader FAR framework.
Official Regulatory Text
Contracts may be awarded to Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) small business concerns on a sole source basis. (See 19.1306 .)