How to Become an 8(a) Firm
The Small Business Administration's (SBA's) 8(a) program was created to assist small, disadvantaged businesses compete for federal contracts. The 8(a) program can help your company prepare for contracts by using targeted training, advice for procuring contracts, and contracting set-asides, where the SBA ensures that small businesses have access to a certain number of contracts. The SBA also offers eligible companies assistance with business management and technical operations to ensure that your company is in good shape to apply for a federal contract.
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Instructions
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Click the "SBA 8(a) Business Development Tool" to determine your company's suitability for 8(a) registration. The tool has a self-assessment test so you can make sure your company is ready for registration. In general, you are eligible for the program if you have a small business and you are a socially and economically disadvantaged individual, if you are of good character and a citizen of the United States and you can demonstrate that your business demonstrates potential for success.
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Contact the SBA and ask for assistance in preparing your 8(a) application. The SBA offers free assistance for this purpose.
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Complete the application. The SBA provides a step-by-step guide to walk you through the application process. As part of the application process, you must register with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database and the SBA's General Log-in system (GLS). You can find the links for both these databases on the application page.
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Mail in any hard copies of documents and forms recommended by the system. The system will advise you of where to send any required documentation.
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Wait for the SBA decision to arrive in the mail. The process could take up to ninety days.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't pay an outside company to help you prepare your return: these companies aren't authorized by the SBA and cannot guarantee that your application will be accepted.
