---
title: 8(a) Sole Source
description: "An 8(a) designation is for a business that must be at least 51% owned by someone who is economically and socially disadvantaged. A sole-source designation means purchasing agencies do not have to put that service and/or product out for competitive…"
url: "https://www.gsascheduleservices.com/kb/sam/8a-sole-source/"
updated: "2022-04-13"
category: After Award / Compliance / SAM Record
tags:
  - sam
---

# 8(a) Sole Source

An 8(a) designation is for a business that must be at least 51% owned by someone who is economically and socially disadvantaged.

A sole-source designation means purchasing agencies do not have to put that service and/or product out for competitive bid and will award the contract to a company with an 8(a) designation.

Regulatory reference: [FAR subpart 19.8](https://www.acquisition.gov/far/subpart-19.8)

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