SDB Program Overview
 
 

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THE SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PROGRAM :: For many businesses, the Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Program offers the first avenue of entry into the federal procurement marketplace.  If you qualify as a socially and economically disadvantaged business owner, this program may be for you. The Program implements certain mechanisms to be applied by government agencies and prime contractors to increase access by SDBs to Federal prime and subcontracting opportunities. 
  
  
How Does the SDB Program Work?
If you a are a business owner who qualifies as socially and economically disadvantaged, you are encouraged to obtain SDB certification from the Small Business Administration.  Once certified, your company is added to the SBA's SDB database.  You can then receive contracts from Federal agencies and prime contractors on the basis of your certification.  Click here for more information about how the SDB Program works.  13 CFR Part 124 details the regulations for the SDB program.
  
  
Why Are Agencies and Prime Contractors Interested
in Doing Business with SDBs?
The Federal government has a policy of encouraging opportunities for small and small disadvantaged businesses in the government contracting arena.  This policy recognizes that helping such businesses grow ultimately benefits the U.S. economy as a whole.  At the beginning of each fiscal year, the government negotiates goals with each agency for the percentage of contracts it will award to small businesses and SDBs.  Each agency then works throughout the year to meet these goals.  SDBs that receive a prime or subcontract through an agency are counted by that agency toward meeting its SDB goal.  Agencies are motivated to meet the goals they set because Congress measures their performance when making appropriations for subsequent fiscal years. 
  
  
What are the Eligibility Requirements of the SDB Program?

In general, to qualify as an SDB, a company must be a small business which is at least 51% unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.   There are numerous criteria which the SBA looks into when reviewing an application to see if a business meets these criteria.  However, businesses that are owned and controlled by Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans and Subcontinent Asian Americans are rebuttably presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged.
  
  
How Can You Apply for SDB Certification?
Federal Access will assist you in packaging your application for the SDB program.  For more information on how we can assist you, visit the Service Levels page.  You may also visit our FAQs page for more information.
  
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