"Section 8(b) (7) of the Small Business Act vests in the Small Business Administration the authority to issue a 'certificate of competency' which certifies the competency, as to capacity and credit, of a small business concern to perform a specific Government contract. According to this section of the act, whenever any question arises as to capacity and credit, the Government procurement officer refers the matter to SBA and its subsequent decision on such matter must be considered as conchusive. Once the COC is issued; the procurement officer is thereafter authorized to let the contract. This committee is advised of certain activities udertaken by the Government procurement officers which have effectively circumvented the COC program of the Small Business Administration"--Page 1.