There is much news going around about the SBA 8a program and it's benefits to small business owners. Here is a quick overview with relevant information about the program purpose and eligibility requirements.
SBA 8(a) / SDB Certification Overview Submission of the 8(a) and SDB application is required from a small business owner who wants to obtain certification to participate in the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) 8(a) Business Development (BD) program and/or the small disadvantaged business (SBD) program. We recommend you do a Google search to locate the FedBizOpps database and view potential contracting opportunities in your field.
Purpose of Certifications Certification for participation in the 8(a) BD program qualifies eligible firms to receive certain managerial, technical, and contracting assistance designed to assist the firms in competing in the American Economy. It is interesting to note that the definition of a small business may seem rather large to the "traditional small business" owner. For example: 541511 Custom Computer Programming the limits are no more than 500 employees and less than $23 million in sales for three consecutive years.
Certification as an SDB qualifies eligible firms for Federal contract assistance, including the price evaluation adjustment, a source selection evaluation factor or sub-factor, and other subcontracting incentives. This designation offers even more opportunities when submitting bids that are or are not designated for small business owners.
Basic Eligibility Requirements To qualify for 8(a) BD program certification, the applicant firm must: Be a for-profit small business concern, non-profit organizations are not eligible. The SBA looks favorably upon small business owners who have been in a specific field and then choose to open their own consulting practice. So if you are thinking of a second career, this might be a great choice.
Prove 51% unconditionally owned by one or more U.S. citizens who are socially disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged. This group includes women, minorities and service disabled veterans.
Demonstrate the management and daily business operation is controlled by one or more U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged.
Demonstrate potential for success; and possess, together with all its principals, good character. Government agencies are getting more strict in conducting criminal background checks to ensure that owners are in good standing with taxes and other personal / business legalities.
To qualify for certification as an SDB, the applicant firm must: Be a small business concern. As stated earlier the definition of a small business is much more than just a one person office. Despending upon the classification a small business might be a large company in a community.
Be at least 51% unconditionally owned by one or more U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Companies that have one owner do not have to do as much paperwork, while companies that are comprised of husbands and wives may come under additional scrutiny to prove that the woman is qualified and serving in the leadership role.
Management and daily business operation controlled by one or more U.S. citizens who are socially economically disadvantaged.
Special Eligibility Rules for 8(a) BD Certification Firms certified for 8(a) program participation are automatically certified as SDBs. But if a company applies for SDB certification is does not automatically become SBA 8a certified.
Another important note: A firm and the disadvantaged individual upon whom eligibility is based can participate in only one time. Once an individual has used the one-time eligibility to qualify a firm, that individual will be considered non-disadvantaged with respect to any other applicant firm or 8(a) SBD program participant. Note: Brokers and Non-Profit Entities are not eligible for participation in the 8(a) BD Program
Karen Miller, owner of Design2Train (SBA 8a certified) shares SBA 8a application information with small business owners. Each year the federal government sets aside millions of contract dollars for qualified small businesses to bid and receive contracts relating to the many federal agencies. The designation of SBA 8(a) is a coveted program certification. Many federal contracts are "set aside" for 8(a) firms, meaning that only certified businesses may apply or be considered. To become SBA 8(a) certified, a business owner must take the time to apply for and receive certification. Learn more about the application process at: http://www.getsba8acertified.com
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