8(a) Business Development Certification
Overview
The SBA 8(a) program is a highly sought-after certification for small disadvantaged businesses. By obtaining 8(a) certification, companies gain exclusive access to reserved federal contracting opportunities, specialized training, technical assistance, and customized business development services. Many contracts are specifically set aside for 8(a) businesses, resulting in reduced competition. Only 8(a) certified companies are eligible to submit bids for these contracts. Additionally, the program includes a Sole-Source provision, allowing the government to bypass the traditional bidding process and directly award contracts to 8(a) certified companies. Once certified, the term of your certification is nine years, along with an annual review.
Benefits of Certification
- Set-aside and sole-source contracts
- One-on-one business development assistance
- Participate in the SBA Mentor-Protégé program
- Priority access to federal surplus properties
- Join the SBA’s Empower to Grow program
- Participate in joint ventures with established businesses
Learn About the 8(a) Certification
Eligibility Requirements
A business must meet the following criteria to qualify:
- Meet the SBA Standard size for a small business
- Have been in business for at least two years
- Have not previously participated in the 8(a) program
- Control by a US citizens with at least 51% ownership
- Must be socially and economically disadvantaged
- Personal net worth of $850K or less
- Personal adjusted gross income of $400K or less
- Total assets of $6.5M or less
Certification Application
Let Federal Filing handle the complexities of the 8(a) application process and be your trusted partner in navigating the SBA 8(a) certification process. Our expert team is dedicated to guiding your business through every step of the application, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.
FAQs 8(a) Business Development Certification
The SBA 8(a) Program helps small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal market by providing access to exclusive contracts, training, technical assistance, and business development services.
Eligibility requirements include being a small business, at least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, with a personal net worth of $850,000 or less, average adjusted gross income of $400,000 or less, and $6.5 million or less in assets.
The 8 (a) certification is a significant milestone that lasts nine years, including four developmental and five-year transition stages. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that cannot be renewed, making it crucial for businesses to make the most of it.
Benefits include access to reserved federal contracts, sole-source and set-aside contracts, specialized training, technical assistance, business development services, and opportunities to buy surplus government property.
Federal Filing can assist with the entire application process. Our trained Account Executives will handle the entire process. You may also go through the process independently by applying with the SBA.
Our Process
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SAM Registration
Register your business in the System for Award Management (SAM)
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Set up SBA Profile
Create an SBA profile, link SAM registration, and complete the SBA profile
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Qualification Assessment
Eligibility assessment, document collection, and initial review
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Submission to SBA
Prepare application, upload documents, submit the application
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Compliance
SBA review, respond with additional information requests site visit (if applicable)
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Approved Certification
Receive certification, update SAM profile to reflect your new status