FAR 19.000—Scope of part.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 19.000 is the scope statement for FAR Part 19, which is the federal government’s small business policy and program framework. It explains that Part 19 implements the Small Business Act, certain Armed Services Procurement Act authorities, 41 U.S.C. 3104, and Executive Order 12138, and it identifies the specific subjects covered: determining whether a concern is eligible for the programs in the part; the roles of agencies and the Small Business Administration (SBA); set-asides for small business, 8(a) participants, HUBZone small business concerns, service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) concerns, and economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) and women-owned small business (WOSB) concerns; the certificate of competency program; subcontracting assistance; the 8(a) business development program; HUBZone price evaluation preferences; veteran-owned small business concerns; sole-source awards to HUBZone, SDVOSB, EDWOSB, and WOSB concerns where authorized; and the use of reserves. In practice, this section tells contracting officers and offerors what Part 19 is about and where its rules apply, so it serves as the gateway to the government’s small business acquisition programs. It also makes clear that participation in these programs depends on meeting the applicable definitions of “small business concern” and “concern,” which is foundational to eligibility and compliance. Finally, it establishes the geographic reach of the part, generally applying in the United States and its outlying areas, while allowing discretionary application outside those areas unless another rule says otherwise.
Key Rules
Part 19 implements small business law
This part carries out the Small Business Act and other cited authorities, so its rules are not optional policy preferences. It is the controlling FAR framework for small business program eligibility, set-asides, subcontracting, and related acquisition tools.
Eligibility is a core subject
Part 19 addresses how the government determines whether a concern qualifies for participation in the listed programs. That means size status and program-specific status matter before a firm can compete or receive awards under these authorities.
Agency and SBA roles are defined
The part covers the respective responsibilities of executive agencies and SBA in administering the programs. In practice, this means some decisions are made by contracting officers, while others require SBA involvement or are governed by SBA rules.
Set-asides and reserves are covered
The section includes total or partial set-asides and reserves for small business and certain socioeconomic categories. These tools restrict competition to eligible firms and are a central mechanism for meeting small business goals.
8(a) program is included
Part 19 covers the 8(a) business development program, under which agencies contract with SBA for goods or services to be provided by a small disadvantaged business concern. This is a distinct procurement structure with SBA as the contracting intermediary in many cases.
Special preferences and sole source authority
The part includes HUBZone price evaluation preferences and sole-source award authorities for HUBZone, SDVOSB, EDWOSB, and WOSB concerns when the conditions for those awards are met. These are targeted tools that can be used only within the limits of the statute and FAR.
Subcontracting assistance is included
Part 19 also addresses subcontracting assistance, which is aimed at increasing small business participation in federal contracting beyond prime awards. This includes requirements and policies that affect large prime contractors and their subcontracting plans.
Geographic application is limited and flexible
Unless another rule says otherwise, contracting officers must apply Part 19 in the United States and its outlying areas, and may apply it outside those areas. This means overseas use is discretionary unless a specific exception or instruction applies.
Eligibility definitions still control
Offerors participating in procurements under Part 19 must meet the FAR definitions of both 'small business concern' and 'concern.' A firm cannot rely on program labels alone; it must satisfy the underlying definitional requirements.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Apply FAR Part 19 in the United States and its outlying areas, and decide whether to apply it outside those areas when permitted. Use the part’s authorities correctly for set-asides, reserves, sole-source awards, HUBZone preferences, subcontracting assistance, and 8(a) actions, and ensure offerors meet the required definitions before allowing participation.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Carry out its statutory role in administering the small business programs covered by Part 19, including the 8(a) program and other areas where SBA has approval, certification, or oversight responsibilities. Work with agencies to implement the programs consistent with the Small Business Act and SBA regulations.
Executive Agencies
Implement the small business programs covered by Part 19 through their acquisition activities and coordinate with SBA where required. Use the authorities in the part to support small business participation, subcontracting, and socioeconomic program goals.
Offerors / Contractors
Meet the applicable definitions of 'small business concern' and 'concern' before participating in procurements under Part 19. When seeking awards or preferences under a specific program, satisfy that program’s eligibility requirements and provide accurate status representations.
Practical Implications
This section is the entry point to all of FAR Part 19, so users should treat it as the roadmap for small business procurement rules rather than a standalone operating rule.
A common pitfall is assuming a firm qualifies for a program because it is generally small; many Part 19 programs require additional status, such as HUBZone, SDVOSB, 8(a), EDWOSB, or WOSB eligibility.
Contracting officers should confirm both the geographic applicability and the specific authority being used before setting aside an acquisition, making a reserve, or making a sole-source award.
Because the section references SBA’s role, agencies should not assume they can make every eligibility or program decision independently; some actions require SBA processes or coordination.
Offerors should verify that their size and concern status are current and supportable, since participation in Part 19 procurements depends on meeting the underlying definitions, not just self-identifying as a small business.
Official Regulatory Text
(a) This part implements the acquisition-related sections of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 631 , et seq. ), applicable sections of the Armed Services Procurement Act ( 10 U.S.C. 3063–3064 and 3203 ), 41 U.S.C. 3104 , and Executive Order 12138, May 18, 1979. It covers— (1) The determination that a concern is eligible for participation in the programs identified in this part; (2) The respective roles of executive agencies and the Small Business Administration (SBA) in implementing the programs; (3) Setting acquisitions aside, in total or in part, for exclusive competitive participation by small business, 8(a) participants, HUBZone small business concerns, service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) concerns eligible under the SDVOSB Program, and economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concerns and women-owned small business (WOSB) concerns eligible under the WOSB Program; (4) The certificate of competency program; (5) The subcontracting assistance program; (6) The "8(a)" business development program (hereafter referred to as 8(a) program), under which agencies contract with the SBA for goods or services to be furnished under a subcontract by a small disadvantaged business concern; (7) The use of a price evaluation preference for HUBZone small business concerns; (8) The use of veteran-owned small business concerns; (9) Sole source awards to HUBZone small business concerns, service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns, and EDWOSB concerns and WOSB concerns eligible under the WOSB Program; and (10) The use of reserves. (b) (1) Unless otherwise specified in this part (see and )— (i) Contracting officers shall apply this part in the United States and its outlying areas; and (ii) Contracting officers may apply this part outside the United States and its outlying areas. (2) Offerors that participate in any procurement under this part are required to meet the definition of “small business concern” at 2.101 and the definition of “concern” at 19.001 .