(a) Contracting officers shall set aside to small business concerns acquisitions of supplies or services that have an anticipated dollar value above the micro-purchase threshold but not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, as prescribed at FAR 13.003(b)(1). Contracting officers shall set aside proposed acquisitions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold for small business concerns unless it is determined there is not a reasonable expectation of obtaining offers from two or more responsible small business concerns that are competitive in terms of market prices, quality, and delivery (see FAR 19.502–2). Contracting officers will document their determination utilizing the DOT Form 4250.1, which will include the results of the market research performed, including justifications.

(a) If the contracting officer rejects a recommendation of the SBA procurement center representative, the contracting officer will coordinate with the OSDBU to submit a written notice to the SBA within 5 working days of the contracting officer's receipt of the recommendation.

(a) If the contracting officer makes a determination before contract award that a set-aside is disadvantageous to the public interest, withdrawal of an individual small business set-aside shall be initiated by giving written notice to the small business specialist, the SBA procurement center representative and the OSDBU stating the reasons for withdrawal.

(b) If the agency small business specialist does not agree to a withdrawal or modification, the case shall be referred to the COCO for review prior to consulting with the assigned SBA representative. The contracting officer shall follow the documentation requirements of FAR 19.506(c).