What kinds of federal certification programs exist and how can they help me win federal contracts?
The 8(a) Program The 8(a) Program is the first and best known of the SBA’s contracting-related certification programs. This nine-year program provides business development assistance to all its participants. Some of the participants also receive federal contracts reserved for the 8(a) program through sole source or limited competition awards. Each year, millions of dollars in 8(a) contracts are awarded to program participants. To learn more about or apply for the 8(a) program, visit http://www.sba.gov/8abd/ or call your nearest SBA district office. You can locate this office by calling the SBA’s Answer Desk at 1-800-827-5722. Almost all SBA district offices also have regularly scheduled presentations about applying to the 8(a) program. The SDB Program The SDB Program is a related SBA program, though it is much newer than the 8(a) program. Being certified in this three-year program is easier than in the 8(a) program. (Firms certified as 8(a) participants are automatically also certified
