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SBA 8(a) Business Development Program Consulting Services

8(a) Business Development Program Creates Opportunities in the Federal Marketplace

What is the 8(a) Business Development Program?

The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program was created to help small, disadvantaged businesses, particularly minority-owned businesses, compete and do business with the Federal government. During the nine-year 8(a) program, participants can be awarded sole-source contracts up to $4.5 million for goods and services ($7 million for manufacturing), as well as compete in larger 8(a) set-aside contracts. 8(a) companies can also participate in the SBA All-Small Mentor-Protégé program and form Joint Ventures with larger contractors to compete for 8(a) competitive contracts and other small business contracts to gain the ability to expand their business and compete for contracts that may normally be out of reach.

The 8(a) program offers small, disadvantaged businesses tremendous opportunities for sole source and limited competition contracts. However, 8(a) certification has stringent program requirements for participation approval, as well as annual compliance and reporting requirements.

What Are the 8(a) Program Qualifications and Certification Requirements?

The 8(a) program offers assistance to companies that are owned and controlled at least 51% by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged and have a personal net worth of $850K or less (excluding certain assets), average adjusted gross income of $400K or less and $6.5 million or less in total assets. 8(a) contractors must demonstrate progress during the nine-year program starting in the development stage (years one through four) and transitional stage (years five through nine), including progressing from sole-source awards to 8(a) competitive contracts, and transitioning to non-8a revenue. 8(a) contractors also must adhere to small business size standards to maintain eligibility for contract awards.

The SBA monitors and measures progress through annual reviews, business planning and regular evaluations.

What are the SBA Annual Reporting and Compliance Requirements?

8(a) participants must submit an annual review (Form 1450)-8(a) Annual Update Review; based on the 8(a)’s annual program year, disclosing certain company data to remain in the program, including progress on meeting goals and annual personal financial statements for the individuals upon whom the 8(a) eligibility is based showing net worth, fair market value of all assets, personal income, and excessive withdrawal limitations. These should be monitored to ensure no issues with the SBA.

In addition, company financial statements are required:

  • 8(a) participants with > $10 million in revenue must submit annual audited financial statements within 120 days of the company’s fiscal year.
  • 8(a) participants with revenue between $2M and $10M must submit annual reviewed financial statements within 90 days of the company’s fiscal year.
  • 8(a) participants with < $2M in revenue must provide an annual in-house or compiled financial statement within 90 days after the close of the company’s fiscal year.

Are You Prepared to Apply for the 8(a) Program?

Planning and preparing your SBA 8(a) application is critical to gaining approval. 8(a) applicants should strictly follow 8(a) certification checklists to ensure documents provided meet program requirements in fact and appearance. In addition to answering many questions in the online application, many documents are required including prior tax returns, financial statements, company history, and personal financial statements.

How to apply for SBA certification?
The actual application on https://certify.sba.gov/ can be completed by the owner directly, but many companies benefit by having a financial advisor who is knowledgeable on all aspects of the 8(a) program requirements review the documents prior to submission.

Contact Our SBA 8(a) Consulting Team

We Meet You Where You Are to Guide You Forward

Our Government Contractor Services group has an in-depth understanding of the SBA 8(a) program and advises 8(a) government contractors through each step of the process to add value and anticipate ongoing opportunities. From the initial important decisions made in becoming an 8(a), including SBA 8(a) application help and certification assistance, to proposal pricing assistance and contract support for the first sole-source or competitive award contract, to how the company is growing throughout the life of the program, we meet you where you currently are in the program and guide you to help your 8(a) qualified business thrive and successfully graduate.

  • Developmental Stage
    Developmental Stage

    Knowing what to focus on during the developmental stage is critical to stay in compliance and thrive.

    Companies that understand the 8(a) program qualifications and certification requirements, as well as what is needed to manage certification to stay in compliance, avoid early graduation and are better positioned to thrive in the 8(a) program.

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    • Application Planning
    • Tracking & Monitoring Economic Requirements
    • Business Process & Compliance
    • FAR & Other Government Regulations
    • Contract Life Cycle Support
    • Compensation & Benefits Solutions
    • Mentor-Protégé/Joint Ventures
    • Reviewed/Audited Financial Statements
  • Transitional Stage
    Transitional Stage

    Successfully navigate the transitional stage and prosper in a competitive business environment.

    Preparing for a competitive business environment, developing and maintaining a balance of commercial and government work, and effectively managing new hurdles to maintain compliance are critical to continue a solid growth trajectory.

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    • Tracking & Monitoring Economic Requirements
    • Business Process & Compliance
    • FAR & Other Government Regulations
    • Contract Life Cycle Support
    • Contract Profitability
    • Government (DCAA, GSA) audit support
    • Compensation & Benefits Solutions
    • Mentor-Protégé/Joint Ventures
    • Reviewed/Audited financial statements
    • Tax Planning & Compliance
    • Credits & Incentives
  • Graduation
    Graduation

    Planning for life after the 8(a) program.

    To thrive after graduation, companies must acclimate to a more competitive environment and deal with new regulatory requirements.

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    • Business Process & Compliance
    • FAR & Other Government Regulations
    • Contract Life Cycle Support
    • Contract Profitability
    • Cost & Pricing for Full & Open Competition
    • Compensation & Benefits Solutions
    • Mentoring Other 8(a)s
    • Transaction Advisory
    • Reviewed/Audited Financial Statements
    • Tax Planning & Compliance
    • Credits & Incentives
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Checklist of Key Stages of the 8(a) Business Development Program

Where should 8(a)s focus?

Let's Talk
Susan J. Moser

Susan J. Moser

Government Contracting Leader

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Contact Our SBA 8(a) Consulting Team