THE
8(A) BD
PROGRAM
::
The
8(a) Business Development Program provides critical business
development assistance to companies owned by socially and economically
disadvantaged individuals.
| Primary
Benefits of the 8(a) Program |
|
| Program participants
receive business development assistance from the SBA and other
government agencies on a range of different levels.
One key benefit is the opportunity to receive "sole-source"
contracts (not exceeding $3 million for
goods and services, and $5 million for manufacturing).
Participants can also bid for "set-aside" contracts of
any size in competition with other participants in the 8(a)
Program.
Participants
typically remain in the 8(a) Program for a period of nine years,
during which they are encouraged to grow their competitive and institutional know-how
through a monitored combination of 8(a) and non-8(a) contracts. |
| Additional
Program Benefits |
|
| Recent regulatory
changes have made the 8(a) program even more beneficial by permitting
participants to form teaming arrangements with other companies, and
allowing government agencies to streamline the process by which 8(a)
contracts are awarded. Although the program has been viewed in the
past as available only to minorities, the recent regulatory changes now
also make it easier for non-minority firms to participate. |
| Eligibility
Requirements |
|
To
participate in the 8(a) program, a company must be owned and
operated by individuals who are socially and economically
disadvantaged. There are comprehensive (and sometimes
complicated) rules and regulations for reviewing and evaluating
applications for certification.
The benefit of taking the time to learn the 8(a) process
is that you can open the door to major opportunities for
business growth by getting certified. For application assistance, or for a review of your
eligibility status,
please refer to our service
levels.
You may also visit our FAQs
page for more information.
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