---
kind: "section"
citation: "48 C.F.R. § 808.404-70"
title: "48"
number: "808.404-70"
heading: "Use of Federal Supply Schedules—the Veterans First Contracting Program."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/48/808.404-70"
---

# §808.404-70. Use of Federal Supply Schedules—the Veterans First Contracting Program.

- (a) The Veterans First Contracting Program, implemented in [subpart 819.70](/cfr/48/subpart819.70.md) pursuant to [38 U.S.C. 8127-8128](/usc/38/8127-8128.md), applies to BPAs, and orders under FAR [subpart 8.4](/cfr/48/subpart8.4.md) and has precedence over other small business programs.
- (b) Contracting officers, when establishing a BPA or placing an order against the FSS, shall ensure that priorities for veteran-owned small businesses are implemented within the VA hierarchy of small business program preferences in [subpart 819.70](/cfr/48/subpart819.70.md). Specifically, the contracting officer will consider preferences for verified SDVOSBs first, then preferences for verified VOSBs. These priorities will be followed by preferences for other small businesses in accordance with 819.7005.
- (c) If unable to satisfy requirements for supplies and services from the mandatory sources in 808.002 and 808.004-70, contracting officers may consider commercial sources in the open market (see FAR 8.004(b)) if an open market acquisition is most appropriate (see FAR 8.004) and a VA Rule of Two (see 802.101) determination is made (see [subpart 819.70](/cfr/48/subpart819.70.md)).
- (d) When the servicing agency will award contracts under an interagency agreement on behalf of the VA, the contracting officer shall ensure the interagency acquisition complies with FAR [subpart 17.5](/cfr/48/subpart17.5.md) and [subpart 817.5](/cfr/48/subpart817.5.md) and includes terms requiring compliance with the VA Rule of Two (see 817.501).

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 38 U.S.C. 8127-8128; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 41 U.S.C. 1121(c)(3); 41 U.S.C. 1702; and 48 CFR 1.301 through 1.304.

### Source

Source: 87 FR 63002, Nov. 17, 2022, unless otherwise noted.