SBA 8(a) Certified Small Business

The SBA’s role in the program includes:

• Verifying that a firm is in good standing and is competent to provide the goods and services.
• Authorizing businesses to communicate and negotiate directly with government agencies.
• Providing technical, financial, and management assistance, as needed.
• Assisting with contract administration.
• Reviewing procurement documentation prior to execution.

In the past, program managers at government agencies would undergo a lengthy procurement process. It was a slow process that included multiple approvals along the way. With the 8(a) program, program managers simply select a firm by including it on a procurement request form. The benefits of this program include:

• Reduced procurement time for program managers.
• Elimination of multiple required approval levels.
• Pre-certification of approved companies eliminates the need for evaluation of bidders.
• Pre-award documentation is not required.