8(a)

8(a) Business Development Program

Certifications & Set-Asides

Definition

The 8(a) Business Development Program is an SBA program that helps small, disadvantaged businesses compete for federal contracts. Participants can receive sole-source contracts up to $4.5 million (services) or $7 million (manufacturing) without competition, plus access to mentoring, training, and technical assistance.

The program is named after Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act. To qualify, your business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are economically and socially disadvantaged, be a small business under SBA size standards, demonstrate potential for success, and have owners with a personal net worth under $850,000 (excluding primary residence and business equity).

The 8(a) program lasts nine years: a four-year developmental stage and a five-year transitional stage. During this time, agencies can award you sole-source contracts directly, and you can receive preferential consideration in competitive set-asides.

8(a) certification is one of the most valuable certifications in federal contracting. It can be combined with SDVOSB, HUBZone, and WOSB for maximum competitive advantage.

Related Terms

SBASmall Business AdministrationSDVOSBService-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small BusinessHUBZoneHistorically Underutilized Business ZoneWOSB / EDWOSBWomen-Owned Small Business / Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small BusinessSole SourceSole Source Contract

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