8(a) Business Development Program

The U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program is designed to develop the competitiveness and capabilities of small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Under the 8(a) program, federal agencies work with SBA to define contract opportunities for businesses in the program, with the contract awards going directly to the companies. In some cases the SBA may act as a prime contractor by entering into contracts with other federal departments and agencies and subcontracting the work to companies in the 8(a) program. These subcontracts are generally awarded on a noncompetitive or limited-competition basis.

Companies certified for participation in the 8(a) program must be at least 51 percent owned by either an individual who is a socially and economically disadvantaged citizen of the United States or an economically disadvantaged Indian tribe (including native Alaskan corporations or native Hawaiian organizations). SBA district offices have business development specialists who can provide guidance in determining whether an individual is socially and economically disadvantaged and guide the applicant through the certification process.

Program participants use the money and experience from the federal contracts to develop their capabilities and establish a track record. The ultimate goal is for these businesses to graduate from the program as healthy, viable businesses able to succeed in the competitive marketplace. For more information on the 8(a) program, including how to apply for certification, visit the SBA website at http://www.sba.gov/8abd/.

Certificate of Competency (CoC)

If a small business is denied a government contract because the contracting agency believes the business is not able to perform the work, the business may apply to the SBA for a Certificate of Competency. SBA staff conducts an objective assessment of the capabilities of the small business. If the business is deemed capable of performing the work, the SBA will issue a Certificate of Competency in support of the business. The Certificate of Competency is conclusive as to the capability of the small business to perform the contract.

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)

The Small Business Innovation Research Program gives small businesses the opportunity to meet federal research and development needs, encourages participation by minority and disadvantaged persons in technological innovations, and promotes private sector commercialization of these innovations.

Under the SBIR program, the federal government awards money through a competitive process to small businesses to analyze the feasibility of innovative technological ideas and to develop those ideas with promising commercial applications. Each participating agency designates research and development topics and releases at least one SBIR solicitation annually. For a list of participating agencies and contact information, visit http://www.sba.gov/sbir/indexcontacts-reps.html.

Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR)

The Small Business Technology Transfer Program is similar to the SBIR program both in the way it is administered and in its goal of increasing private-sector commercialization of basic technology research. The key difference is that the STTR program partners small businesses with a nonprofit research institution, such as a federal government laboratory or research university, and the research is conducted jointly. For more information about SBIR and STTR, including competitive opportunities for small businesses and qualifications, visit http://www.sba.gov/sbir.

Disaster Recovery Opportunities

Even as memories of the devastating hurricane season of 2005 fade, the massive cleanup and rebuilding effort continues, creating ongoing opportunities for small businesses. Several federal programs are in place to direct small businesses to rebuilding-related contracting opportunities.

Hurricane Contracting Information Center (HCIC)
http://www.rebuildingthegulfcoast.gov
HCIC is a central point of reference for businesses to register for and become aware of federal contracting opportunities in the Gulf Coast.

FedBizOpps Hurricane Recovery
http://www.fedbizopps.gov/katrina.html
This site provides updated information about the impact of the Gulf Coast hurricanes on contracting opportunities. Also included are links to state-specific resources in affected areas.

Depending on the nature and extent of new disasters, the federal government may establish targeted procurement programs to aid in recovery. In the event of another major disaster, notices of such programs may be posted at the SBA website (www.sba.gov) or at FedBizOpps (www.fedbizopps.gov). You can also check the procurement websites of states (click here).

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