8(a) Business Development Certification
Overview
The SBA 8(a) program is a highly sought-after certification for small disadvantaged businesses. By obtaining 8(a) certification, companies gain exclusive access to reserved federal contracting opportunities, specialized training, technical assistance, and customized business development services. Many contracts are specifically set aside for 8(a) businesses, resulting in reduced competition. Only 8(a) certified companies are eligible to submit bids for these contracts. Additionally, the program includes a Sole-Source provision, allowing the government to bypass the traditional bidding process and directly award contracts to 8(a) certified companies. Once certified, the term of your certification is nine years, along with an annual review.
Benefits of Certification
- Set-aside and sole-source contracts
- One-on-one business development assistance
- Participate in the SBA Mentor-Protégé program
- Priority access to federal surplus properties
- Join the SBA’s Empower to Grow program
- Participate in joint ventures with established businesses
Learn About the 8(a) Certification
Eligibility Requirements
A business must meet the following criteria to qualify:
- Meet the SBA Standard size for a small business
- Have been in business for at least two years
- Have not previously participated in the 8(a) program
- Control by a US citizens with at least 51% ownership
- Must be socially and economically disadvantaged
- Personal net worth of $850K or less
- Personal adjusted gross income of $400K or less
- Total assets of $6.5M or less
Certification Application
Let Federal Filing handle the complexities of the 8(a) application process and be your trusted partner in navigating the SBA 8(a) certification process. Our expert team is dedicated to guiding your business through every step of the application, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The System for Award Management (SAM) is the system the U.S. government uses to identify and award federal contracts, loans, grants, or federal assistance.
The SAM registry is a central repository for Procurement and Contract Officers to identify vendor capabilities, demographics, and availability. This assists procurement decision-making regarding set-asides for 8(a), HUBZone, Woman-Owned, or service-disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. It also provides a platform for prime contractors to identify subcontractors according to their needs and contract requirements. Non-profit organizations and local, county, city, and state governments must be registered in SAM to receive federal disbursements against contracts, loans, grants, and federal assistance awards.
The federal government requires an annual SAM registration renewal. You can click on the following: www.federalfiling.com to begin your renewal process. Once you submit your request, you can contact us to finalize the renewal. It should take 10 – 15 minutes on the phone with you; then, we can complete the rest of the update.
You receive your CAGE code once you register on SAM.gov; obtaining a CAGE code is no separate process. A CAGE Code is a number that the government uses to identify your business specifically so it can pay you.
Yes, you can. SAM registrations are done via SAM.gov, and as long as you have the time and the information, you can do it yourself. As you are aware, though, the US Government has made what should be a straightforward process overly complicated. If you do not complete your registration 100% accurately the first time, you can run into real problems, such as not getting paid or limiting your ability to win contracts.
Our Process
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SAM Registration
Register your business in the System for Award Management (SAM)
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Set up SBA Profile
Create an SBA profile, link SAM registration, and complete the SBA profile
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Qualification Assessment
Eligibility assessment, document collection, and initial review
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Submission to SBA
Prepare application, upload documents, submit the application
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Compliance
SBA review, respond with additional information requests site visit (if applicable)
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Approved Certification
Receive certification, update SAM profile to reflect your new status