FAR 52.219-31—Notice of Small Business Reserve.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.219-31, Notice of Small Business Reserve, is a solicitation provision used when an acquisition is set aside as a reserve for one or more small business concerns under FAR 19.000(a)(3). It tells offerors that the small business program eligibility requirements apply, meaning only qualifying small business concerns may participate in the reserved competition. The provision also explains how offers must be submitted when the solicitation includes multiple portions: an eligible small business concern must submit one offer that addresses each portion of the solicitation for which it wants to compete. Finally, it makes clear that award will be made using the evaluation and award criteria stated elsewhere in the solicitation, so this provision does not itself establish the source selection method. In practice, this clause matters because it defines who may compete, how offers must be structured, and how the reserve affects competition and award administration.
Key Rules
Reserve limited to small business
The solicitation contains a reserve for one or more small business concerns identified at FAR 19.000(a)(3). Only firms meeting the applicable small business program eligibility requirements may participate in the reserve.
Eligibility requirements apply
The small business program eligibility rules govern participation. Offerors must qualify as small business concerns under the applicable program requirements at the time required by the solicitation and any governing regulations.
One offer per competing portion
An eligible small business concern must submit one offer that addresses each portion of the solicitation for which it wants to compete. The provision is aimed at ensuring a single, complete offer covers all portions the offeror seeks to win.
Award follows solicitation criteria
Award will be based on the criteria identified elsewhere in the solicitation. This provision does not create separate award factors; it simply points the offeror and contracting officer to the solicitation’s stated evaluation and award scheme.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Include this provision when the acquisition is reserved for small business concerns under the applicable FAR prescription. Ensure the solicitation clearly states the portions available for competition and the evaluation/award criteria referenced by the provision.
Small Business Offeror
Confirm eligibility to participate in the reserve and submit a complete offer for each solicitation portion the firm wants to compete for. Follow the solicitation’s instructions and evaluation requirements exactly.
Agency
Structure the acquisition so the reserve is properly identified and administered in accordance with small business program rules. Ensure the solicitation and award process are consistent with the reserve and the stated evaluation criteria.
Practical Implications
This provision is mainly a gatekeeping rule: it controls who may compete, but it does not itself explain how proposals will be scored or how award will be decided.
Contractors should verify small business status and any program-specific eligibility before investing time in an offer, because ineligible firms may be excluded from the reserve.
If the solicitation has multiple portions, offerors need to be careful to submit one offer that clearly covers every portion they want; incomplete or fragmented submissions can create evaluation problems or disqualification risk.
Contracting officers should make sure the solicitation’s award criteria are clear elsewhere, because this provision relies on those criteria and does not stand alone as an evaluation method.
A common pitfall is assuming the reserve changes the award standard; it does not. The reserve changes the eligible competition pool, while the solicitation’s stated criteria still control award selection.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 19.507 (g)(1) , insert the following provision: Notice of Small Business Reserve (Mar 2020) (a) This solicitation contains a reserve for one or more small business concerns identified at 19.000 (a)(3). The small business program eligibility requirements apply. (b) The small business concern(s) eligible for participation in the reserve shall submit one offer that addresses each portion of the solicitation for which it wants to compete. Award of the contract will be based on criteria identified elsewhere in the solicitation. (End of provision)