Requirements valued at $3,500 to $250,000 (Simplified Acquisition Threshold – SAT) are automatically set-aside for small businesses (FAR 19.502-2(a)). Over SAT, the rule of two applies (FAR 19.502-2(b)). This means that if the contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that offers will be obtained from at least two responsible small business concerns and award will be made at fair market prices, the procurement must be set-aside. All actions over $10,000 require a DD Form 2579 (SB Coordination Record) and must be approved by the Small Business Representative (SBR).

The Defense Acquisition University (DAU) provides on-line training (CLC 004) regarding market research.

More information regarding the Small Business Programs Office is located at
- I&L Small Business site -Small-Business-Programs-LK

- Small Business Administration site - Small Business Administration

- Dynamic Small Business Search is a great market research tool - Dynamic Small Business Search Tool