In determining the acquisition strategy applicable to an acquisition, the contracting officer shall consider, in the following order of priority, contracting preferences that ensure contracts will be awarded:

(a) To SDVOSBs;

(b) To VOSB, including but not limited to SDVOSBs;

(c) Pursuant to—

(1) Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(a)); or

(2) The Historically-Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program (15 U.S.C. 657a); and

(d) Pursuant to any other small business contracting preference.