How does SBA make disadvantaged status determinations in considering an SDB protest?

(a) General. The AA/SDBCE, or designee, will determine a protested concern's disadvantaged status within 15 working days after receipt of a protest. If the procuring activity contracting officer does not receive an SBA determination within 15 working days after the SBA's receipt of the protest, the contracting officer may presume that the challenged offeror is disadvantaged, unless the SBA requests and the contracting officer grants an extension to the 15-day response period.

(b) Award after protest.

(1) After receiving a protest involving an offeror being considered for award, the contracting officer shall not award the contract until:

(i) The SBA has made an SDB determination, or

(ii) 15 working days have expired since SBA's receipt of a protest and the contracting officer has not agreed to an extension of the 15-day response period.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the contracting officer may award a contract after the receipt of an SDB protest where he or she determines in writing that an award must be made to protect the public interest.

(c) Withdrawal of protest. If a protest is withdrawn, SBA will not complete a new disadvantaged status determination, and a previous SDB certification will stand.

(d) Basis for determination.

(1) Except with respect to a concern which is a current Participant in SBA's 8(a) BD program and is authorized to submit an affidavit concerning its disadvantaged status, the disadvantaged status determination will be based on the protest record, including reasonable inferences therefrom, as supplied by the protestor, protested concern, SBA or others.

(2) SBA may in its discretion make a part of the protest record information already in its files, and information submitted by the protestor, the protested concern, the contracting officer, or other persons contacted for additional specific information.

(e) Disadvantaged status. In evaluating the social and economic disadvantage of individuals claiming disadvantaged status, SBA will consider the same information and factors. Individuals claiming disadvantaged status must have a net worth that is less than $750,000.

(f) Disadvantaged status determination. SBA will render a written determination including the basis for its findings and conclusions.

(g) Notification of determination. After making its disadvantaged status determination, the SBA will immediately notify the contracting officer, the protestor, and the protested concern of its determination. SBA will promptly provide by certified mail, return receipt requested, a copy of its written determination to the same entities, consistent with law.

(h) Results of an SBA disadvantaged status determination. A disadvantaged status determination becomes effective immediately.

(1) If the concern is found not to be disadvantaged, the determination remains in full force and effect unless reversed upon appeal by SBA's DADA/GC&MED, or designee, or the concern is certified to be an SDB. The concern is precluded from applying for SDB certification for 12 months from the date of the final agency decision (whether by the AA/SDBCE, or designee, without an appeal, or by the DADA/GC&MED, or designee, on appeal).

(2) If the concern is found to be disadvantaged, the determination remains in full force and effect unless and until reversed upon appeal by SBA's DADA/GC&MED, or designee. A final Agency decision (whether by the AA/SDBCE, or designee, without an appeal, or by the DADA/GC&MED, or designee, on appeal) finding the protested concern to be an SDB remains in effect for three years from the date of the decision under the same conditions as if the concern had been granted SDB certification.

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