Department of the Interior Acquisition Policy Release (DIAPR) 1999-10

SUBJECT: Small Business competitiveness Demonstration Program (SBCDP)

1. Purpose:

This policy release provides bureau and office contracting personnel with updated information regarding the SBCDP.

2. Effective Date:

The instructions contained in this release are applicable to solicitations issued on or after the date of this DIAPR.

3. Expiration Date:

Until canceled or superseded

4. Background and Explanation:

On December 2, 1997, the President signed the "Small Business Programs Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1997," which among other changes, extended the term of the SBCDP indefinitely. To implement the new law, on September 29, 1998, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy and Small Business Administration issued an interim policy directive providing guidance to agencies and solicited comments therefrom (see DIAPR 1999-4).

The OFPP and SBA have reviewed those comments and now issued a Final Policy Directive on the SBCDP (Federal Register dated June 2, 1999).

5. Action Required:

Bureaus and Office contracting personnel should familiarize themselves with the new policy directive (copy attached) and note the differences between it and the interim directive, which are summarized in the attachment. Regarding the application of small business set-aside policy, continue following the set-aside rules established in DIAPR 1999-4 dated February 23, 1999, until further notice.

Please contact Frank Gisondi, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization ((202)208-4907), if you should have any questions regarding the SBCDP.

Dean A. Titcomb, Acting Director Office of Acquisition and Property Management

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