8(a) Business Development Program(8(a))
An SBA program that helps small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete for federal contracts.
Overview
The 8(a) Business Development Program is one of the most well-known pathways into federal contracting for disadvantaged small businesses. Administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), it provides participants with access to sole-source contracts, mentoring, training, and technical assistance over a nine-year period.
Why It Matters in GovCon
The 8(a) program is a cornerstone of the federal government's effort to ensure contracting dollars reach underserved communities. For eligible businesses, it removes many of the barriers that make competing for government work difficult — from navigating complex procurement processes to building the past performance record agencies look for.
Key Details
- Eligibility: The business must be at least 51% owned by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged. It must qualify as small under SBA size standards.
- Duration: Nine years total — a four-year developmental stage followed by a five-year transition stage.
- Sole-Source Contracts: Participants can receive contracts up to $4.5 million for goods and services (or $7 million for manufacturing) without competitive bidding.
- Mentor-Protégé: 8(a) firms can form joint ventures with larger mentors to pursue contracts they couldn't handle alone.
- Graduation: After nine years, businesses are expected to compete in the open market.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data lets you filter federal and SLED opportunities by set-aside type, making it easy to find contracts specifically reserved for 8(a) participants. The AI coaching tools can also assess your readiness for the program and help you build a stronger application.
Related Terms
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Set-Aside
- Mentor-Protégé Program
- HUBZone
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
- Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
More Programs Terms
A subcategory of WOSB for women-owned small businesses where the owners are also economically disadvantaged, eligible for additional sole-source contracts.
An SBA program that gives preferential access to federal contracts for small businesses located in economically distressed areas.
A program pairing large experienced contractors with small businesses to help them build capabilities through joint ventures, subcontracting, and technical assistance.
A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans with a service-connected disability, eligible for federal set-aside contracts.
A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women, eligible for federal set-aside contracts in underrepresented industries.
A government-to-government program where the U.S. sells defense articles and services to allied nations.
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