About The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, 15 USC. § 637, provides assistance and business development opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. Notably, the 8(a) Business Development (BD) Program helps these businesses compete in the marketplace and access federal and private procurement markets that would likely be unavailable to them otherwise. Specific benefits provided to both government procurement officials, as well as the small business itself (NVE) includes:
- Streamlined, efficient procurement process through direct-award contracts
- Ability to leverage the experience and manpower of larger businesses by utilizing the 8(a) Mentor-Protégé joint venture, subcontracting portions of the contract to large businesses, or awards to entity-owned firms, which often have reach-back to corporate family resources, support, and stability of larger and more experienced businesses
- Aid to socially and economically disadvantaged peoples, bringing benefits to entire communities, like those of the Native Village of Eyak
The Procurement Benefits of Working With An SBA 8(a) Entity
The SBA 8(a) Program was designed to help socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses, like Copper River, compete in the marketplace and access federal and private procurement markets that would likely be unavailable to them otherwise.
The SBA 8(a) Program also provides procurement advantages to Federal agencies which include:
For DOD entities, direct award contract thresholds are increased to $100M without justification.
*Direct contracts may be awarded for any amount above the $100M threshold through the simplified Justification & Authorization process.** [*FAR 19.808-1(a), **FAR 6.302-5(b)(4)]
For non-DOD entities, direct award contracts may be awarded to an Alaskan Tribal 8(a) entity of up to $25M without justification.
This is above the standard $4.5M threshold other 8(a) entities are subject to.*
In addition, direct award contracts may be awarded for any amount above the $25M threshold through the Justification & Authorization process.** (*13 CFR 124.506(b), **48 CFR 6.303.1)
Any direct award contract awarded to an 8(a) entity is non-protestable.
The eligibility of a Participant for a direct award or competitive 8(a) requirement may not be challenged by another Participant or any other party, either to SBA or any administrative forum as part of a bid or other contract protest. [13 CFR 124.517(a)]
The Steps to a direct award Contract
For more information about the SBA 8(a) Program or how to direct award contract, contact:
AK District Office
420 L Street, Suite 300
Anchorage, AK 99501
907.271.4837
Alaska8a@SBA.gov
