XL EagleFAR Part 8 (Required Sources of Supplies and Services)
FAR Part 8 stands for Required Sources of Supplies and Services. FAR Part 8 tells agencies which sources they must check, or are allowed to use, before buying on the open market. It covers mandatory sources like the AbilityOne program, which employs people who are blind or have significant disabilities, and Federal Prison Industries for certain products.
Part 8 also governs ordering from the GSA Federal Supply Schedules, also called the Multiple Award Schedule. Agencies can place orders against these pre-approved contracts with streamlined competition, which is why many federal buys never show up as open bids.
Why it matters to a small contractor
If a product or service is on the AbilityOne list, the agency generally must buy it from that source, and an open bid may never appear. And if you notice a buyer always uses GSA Schedules, you may need a schedule, or a teaming partner with one, to compete for that work.
Example
A custodial firm wonders why a nearby federal building never posts cleaning bids. They learn the cleaning is on the AbilityOne procurement list, so the agency must use that source.
FAR Part 8: common questions
What is a GSA Schedule?
It is a long-term contract with GSA that sets pre-negotiated prices and terms. Agencies can then order from schedule holders under FAR Part 8 procedures.
Do I need a GSA Schedule to sell to the government?
No. Many buys are open to any registered vendor. A schedule helps when agencies prefer to order through it.
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