(a) In accordance with section 1331 of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 ( 15 U.S.C. 644(r)(1)), contracting officers may, at their discretion, set aside a portion or portions of a multiple-award contract, except for construction, for any of the small business concerns identified at 19.000(a)(3) when—

(1) Market research indicates that a total set-aside is not appropriate (see 19.502-2);

(2) The requirement can be divided into distinct portions;

(3) The acquisition is not subject to simplified acquisition procedures;

(4) Two or more responsible small business concerns are reasonably expected to submit an offer on the set-aside portion or portions of the acquisition that are competitive in terms of fair market prices, quality, and delivery; and

(5) The specific program eligibility requirements identified in this part apply.