As we discussed, in late 2019 the SBA issued a proposed Rule that would make a number of significant changes to the mentor-protege programs and other small business contracting rules. Well, the SBA will soon issue its final rule on these changes, so make sure you are aware of the new rules.

The rule will be effective 30 days after publication date, and it’s scheduled to be published on October 16, making the effective date November 16 (also note that WOSB changes in section 127.504 will have an October 16 effective date).

Here are the main items that the SBA will change under this rule:

• Consolidation of the 8(a) Mentor/Protégé Program into the All-Small Mentor/Protégé Program
• Changes to 8(a) contract procurement process
• Changes to the nonmanufacturer rule and limitations on subcontracting
• Revising the joint venture agreement approval process for 8(a) contracts
• Change to when a business has to recertify its size and status for orders under multiple award contract
• Removing the “Three” from the “Three-In-Two” rule for joint ventures

Links to our discussions of the proposed changes can be found here.

In a later post, we’ll highlight any differences between what the SBA had proposed and what made it into the final rule.

Questions about this post? Email us or give us a call at 785-200-8919.

The post Alert: SBA Issues Final Rule on Consolidation of Mentor-Protégé Programs and Other Contracting Rules first appeared on SmallGovCon - Government Contracts Law Blog.