Rule of Two
The requirement to set aside an acquisition when two or more capable small businesses are expected to bid at fair prices.
The Rule of Two requires a contracting officer to set aside an acquisition for small business (or a socioeconomic category) when there is a reasonable expectation that offers will be received from at least two responsible business concerns in that category and that award will be made at fair-market prices. For the VA, the Supreme Court's 2016 Kingdomware decision confirmed the VA must apply the Rule of Two for veteran-owned firms before using other procurement vehicles, including the Federal Supply Schedule.
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