The following statement was made public on Friday, September 29 by U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman regarding the reopening of the 8(a) Business Development Program application.

“Though the administration of the 8(a) Program has been impacted by a recent court injunction and order, the program is open for business. In the weeks since the injunction, the SBA has reviewed or recertified thousands of current 8(a) participants through a process consistent with the court’s order. And now the SBA has reopened the 8(a) application to new participants – ensuring a vast, talented pool of vendors are available to federal agencies.”

Click here to read the statement in its’ entirety….

8(a) Program Benefits

• The 8(a) program can be a useful tool for seasoned, socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners who want to increase their presence in the federal market and have been in business for at least two years.

• Your company is eligible to compete for sole-source and competitive set-aside contracts through the program.

• Participants in the 8(a) program are qualified to compete for contract awards under other socioeconomic programs or small business set-asides as well.

If you have any questions about how to apply for the 8(a) program or if you qualify as being both socially and economically disadvantaged, I always recommend contacting an industry expert such as ez8a or Advance 8a. As part of your marketing strategy, they can also help you determine whether your company is prepared to pursue federal contracts, assisting you with every part of the process including preparation of your social disadvantage narrative. Neither charge for an initial consultation.