How to Successfully Graduate from the 8(a) Program
The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program is a nine-year federal contracting and training program for small business owners who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Only 35% of selected companies graduate from the program, which can make developing a strategic graduation plan essential.
As companies plan for 8(a) graduation, it is important to maximize 8(a) contract vehicles that will help sustain them through the transition, as well as plan and compete for full and open contracts. As the market landscape changes, organizations must adapt and acclimate to a more competitive environment. As they evolve and adapt, companies must also deal with new regulatory requirements.
8(a) Program Graduation Guidance and Assistance
We help companies position themselves to successfully graduate from the 8(a) program and go on to thrive in the federal contracting arena. Our experienced consulting team provides strategic guidance and assistance in the following areas:
- Planning, and successfully executing, the first acquisition, including due diligence and deal structuring
- Mentoring younger 8(a)s for post-graduation subcontracting under the 8(a) program
- Planning post-graduation strategy, including how a business will subcontract to other 8(a)s, or how to replace 8(a) revenue with full and open contract revenue
- Developing competitive bidding rates and pricing practices on larger contract vehicles, such as 8(a) STAR III, Oasis, CIO-SP4, Polaris, DLA JETS
- Developing and implementing strategies on cost structure and pricing, large teaming arrangements and mature business systems and processes to compete successfully on full and open request for proposals (RFPs)
- Providing assessments and demonstrated compliance with business systems requirements, to include accounting, estimating, purchasing, property, EVMS and materials management
- Preparing for full Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) requirements and submitting initial Disclosure Statement (CASB-1)
- Helping retain key players with executive compensation planning
- Supporting acquisitions: due diligence, quality of earnings and tax structuring for first acquisition
- Offering tax planning strategies and opportunities to partially monetize success after graduation from 8(a)
- Planning and support for a successful exit, whether through an employee stock ownership program (ESOP), minority equity interest or sale of strategic or financial buyer
