8(a) and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Sole Source
Description
•  Non-competitive award of a contract to a certified 8(a) company
Features
•  No competition; may require limited proposal
•  Can be awarded within 45 days
•  Less formal procurement process
•  Normally the company can provide input into the Statement of Work
•  Limited to $3.0 million
•  Once work effort is accepted into the 8(a) program, it will probably remain there
•  Incumbent contractor might be ineligible for follow-on

8(a) Competitive
Description
•  Competition is limited to certified 8(a) and SDVO companies qualified for the specific NAICS code
Features
•  Limited competition
•  No limit on contract value
•  Slightly easier to leverage your position than open competition
•  Must prepare a winning Technical and Cost Proposal
•  Customer may be negative if 8(a) competition was forced upon them
•  Incumbent might be ineligible for follow-on contract

Small Disadvantaged Business Competitive 
Description
•  Competitive award limited to Small Disadvantaged Businesses qualified for the specific NAICS code
Features
•  Competition is limited to Small Disadvantaged Business primes
•  No limit on contract value
•  Must prepare a winning Technical and Cost Proposal

Simplified Acquisition Program (Purchase Order)
Description
•  Contracting officer can complete a purchase order with little or no competition
Features
•  Little or no competition
•  Allows an 8(a) firm to demonstrate capabilities
•  Can be awarded rapidly
•  May be a precursor to a larger contract effort
•  Normally requires only price quote
•  Except for unusual circumstances, award restricted to small business

Open Competition
Description
•  Competitive award open to all size companies
Features
•  No limit on contract value
•  8(a) companies may be provided a competitive advantage
•  Must prepare a winning Technical and Cost Proposal