Which regulations govern small business contracting?

The Small Business Act and FAR Part 19 are integral to governing small business contracting. The Small Business Act establishes the government's commitment to providing small businesses with equitable opportunities in federal contracting, recognizing their critical role in the economy. This act lays the foundation for defining small businesses and outlines the various types of set-aside programs, ensuring that small entities have a fair chance to compete for government contracts.

Additionally, FAR Part 19 elaborates on the implementation of the Small Business Act within federal procurement processes. It provides specific guidelines for contracting officers on how to set aside contracts for small businesses, including rules regarding the participation of different types of small businesses such as 8(a), HUBZone, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. This regulation ensures that the policies outlined in the Small Business Act are translated into actionable procedures in the procurement realm.

Other options do not provide a comprehensive regulatory framework specific to small business contracting. The FAR only does not encompass the entire scope, as the Small Business Act is crucial for understanding small business policies. The Uniform Commercial Code primarily deals with sales and commercial transactions and does not pertain directly to government contracting. Similarly, while Small Business Administration guidelines are important, they function more as supplementary guidance rather than governing regulations on their own.