SBA Offers Online 8(a) Program Application

SBA Offers Online 8(a) Program Application The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has unveiled a new electronic online application process that will make it easier, faster and less expensive for small businesses to apply for 8(a) Business Development and Small Disadvantaged Business certification. The 8(a) Business Development Program is a business assistance program for small disadvantaged businesses. The 8(a) Program offers a wide range of assistance to firms that are owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Benefits of 8(a) Certification Small businesses that gain SBA 8(a) program certification can compete for and get sole-source government contracts worth up to $4 million for goods and services and $6.5 million for manufacturing. 8(a) certified firms may also from joint ventures and teams to bid on government contracts. â€Å"This enhances the ability of 8(a) firms to perform larger prime contracts and overcome the effects of contract bundling, the combining of two or more contracts together into one large contract,† notes the SBA. In addition, the SBA’s Mentor-Protà ©gà © Program allows newly-certified 8(a) firms to â€Å"learn the ropes† from more experienced businesses. Participation in the program is divided into two phases over nine years: a four-year developmental stage and a five-year transition stage. Basic 8(a) Certification Eligibility Requirements While the SBA imposes many specific requirements for 8(a) certification, the basics are: The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by an individual or individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged. The owners must be able to prove they meet the SBA requirements for both social disadvantage and economic disadvantage.The owner(s) must be an American citizen, by birth-right or naturalization.The business must meet the SBA size limits for a small business.The business must demonstrate to the SBA that it has a â€Å"potential for success.† More About the 8(a) Online Application Announced during a luncheon at Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week by SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto, the new automated online 8(a) application will substantially reduce the time and cost of applying for certification. The newly launched 8(a) online application will allow small businesses to apply for 8(a) and SDB certification directly from the SBAs Web site, and ensure more small businesses are able to successfully compete for federal contracting opportunities, Barreto said. This user-friendly application represents another accomplishment of this Administration in developing e-Gov tools that make access to information less cumbersome for small business. [ Truth About Small Business Grants From the US Government ] The SBAs 8(a) Business Development Program helps small businesses owned, controlled, and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals by providing management, technical, financial and federal contracting assistance with the aim of helping these entrepreneurs create viable businesses. About 8,300 companies are presently certified in the 8(a) program. During FY 2003, $9.56 billion in federal contracts were awarded to companies participating in the program. The new automated application was developed by an 8(a) firm, Simplicity, Inc. in conjunction with the SBAs Office of Government Contracting and Business Development. It employs decision logic to screen applications allowing the SBA to review and process applications more efficiently and provide improved customer service. The application is 100 percent Web-based, allowing applicants to apply without downloading any software or plug-ins, replacing a four-page written application that required substantial supporting documentation.