SBA 8(a) Business Development Program: Developmental Stage Services

Cherry Bekaert provides comprehensive services to help 8(a) companies successfully navigate the Developmental Stage of the 8(a) Business Development Program.

Achieve Success During the Developmental Stage of the 8(a) Program

The first four years of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Development Program are considered the developmental stage, a time when many contractors can experience rapid growth. This growth can bring numerous benefits, as well as new financial and compliance challenges. Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Advisory team holds a deep understanding of the SBA 8(a) program and is equipped to advise 8(a) contractors through each step of the process.

Our professionals help small businesses navigate the important decisions, from assisting with proposal pricing and developing successful program growth plans to anticipating ongoing opportunities. We have provided accounting and financial auditing services for businesses of all sizes, whether they’re at the $2 million or $10 million revenue mark.

With a team comprised of former government contractor chief financial officers and controllers, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) auditors, and information technology (IT), accounting and compliance advisors, we are ready to guide you forward as a new 8(a) contractor.

Our Focus on Small, Disadvantaged Businesses

The federal government’s goal is to award at least 10% of all federal contracting dollars to small, disadvantaged businesses each year. We help companies advance through the nine-year 8(a) program so they can expand their footprint in the federal marketplace.

Our Comprehensive 8(a) Developmental Stage Services Include:

Providing outsourced accounting and compliances services
Establishing an acceptable accounting system, including system design and policies and procedures required for contract awards (SF1408 pre-award survey)
Undergoing initial reviewed and audited financial statements as required by SBA
Establishing tracking and monitoring of 8(a) Economic Requirements and size standards
Providing tax planning for the business and the 8(a) participant, based on a deep understanding of tax, as well as the unique requirements of the 8(a) program multi-state tax filing and reporting requirements based on new contract wins
Offering third-party assessments of accounting systems to include in proposals
Training on contract types and contract management
Establishing an effective and competitive indirect rate structure
Offering proposal pricing assistance for both sole-source and competitive contract awards
Documenting and reviewing the SBA annual report
Assisting with SBA Mentor-Protégé program requirements and joint venture proposal pricing, accounting and reporting
Preparing provisional rate requests and Incurred Cost Submissions (ICS)
Understanding unallowable costs and impacts on profitability

Featured SBA 8(a) Business Development Program Insights

Navigating the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program – Accounting Best Practices

Listen to our GovCon podcast for advice on SBA 8(a) accounting best practices. Learn about cost segregation, reporting, and more.
The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program – What Is It and What Are the Requirements?

Listen to our podcast to learn about the Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program and its different requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Small Business Administration 8(a) Business Development Program

Learn more about the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program compliance and reporting requirements as we answer the most frequently asked questions.