---
kind: "section"
citation: "48 C.F.R. § 236.272"
title: "48"
number: "236.272"
heading: "Prequalification of sources."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/48/236.272"
---

# §236.272. Prequalification of sources.

- (a) Prequalification procedures may be used when necessary to ensure timely and efficient performance of critical construction projects. Prequalification—
  - (1) Results in a list of sources determined to be qualified to perform a specific construction contract; and
  - (2) **Limits offerors to those with proven competence to perform in the required manner.**
- (b) **The head of the contracting activity must—**
  - (1) Authorize the use of prequalification by determining, in writing, that a construction project is of an urgency or complexity that requires prequalification; and
  - (2) **Approve the prequalification procedures.**
- (c) For small businesses, the prequalification procedures must require the qualifying authority to—
  - (1) Request a preliminary recommendation from the appropriate Small Business Administration regional office, if the qualifying authority believes a small business is not responsible;
  - (2) Permit the small business to submit a bid or proposal if the preliminary recommendation is that the small business is responsible; and
  - (3) Follow the procedures in FAR 19.6, if the small business is in line for award and is found nonresponsible.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1303 and 48 CFR chapter 1.

### Source

Source: 56 FR 36421, July 31, 1991, unless otherwise noted.