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What is the Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Program?

The 8(a) program helps to provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and e

The 8(a) program helps to provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities, the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the 8(a) Business Development Program.

Disadvantaged businesses in the 8(a) Program can:

The SBA 8(a) Business Development (BD) Program simplifies the federal procurement process for certified business participants. The 8(a) BD Program was developed to enable federal government program managers to save time, effort, and cost in the procurement process and to protect the interests of small business concerns. Overall, this program serves to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.

With projects of up to $4.5 million / $7 million (services / manufacturing, respectively), the 8(a) BD Program allows for direct contracting without a lengthy competitive process. This allows a project to begin in a timely manner. Bottom line: time sensitive projects can get started in days instead of months.

Disadvantaged businesses in the 8(a) Program can:

Choosing an 8(a) firm allows your organization to work directly with a company that is both experienced and efficient in consulting to develop and implement business, technology and engineering initiatives. The benefits of using an 8(a)-contract vehicle include:

Decide on an 8(a) contractor? Here’s what to do next:

Step 1: Agency Offering (FAR19.804-2)

Step 2: SBA Acceptance (FAR 19.804-3 & 13 CFR 124.503(a)
SBA’s letter of acceptance will be responded to within the following timelines:

SBA 8(a) Business Development Program

Decide on an 8(a) contractor? Here’s what to do next:

Acquisitions valued at or below (SAT)

$3,500-$150,000

No offering and acceptance required. Agency can directly award a firm a requirement that is at or below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT).

Must obtain an eligibility determination from Servicing SBA District Office.

Sole Source Procurements

Up to $4,500,000 or $7,000,000 (manufacturing)

Offer and acceptance serves as an eligibility determination.

Competitive Acquisitions

Greater than $4,000,000 or $7,000,000 (manufacturing)

Must obtain an eligibility determination prior to award.

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