Federal set-aside certification

The 8(a) program, from application to award-ready.

The SBA 8(a) Business Development program is a nine-year path built for socially and economically disadvantaged firms. It opens sole-source and set-aside contracts that are off limits to everyone else. The application is demanding, and we handle it with you.

A nine-year SBA business development program
Opens sole-source awards up to program limits
One of the most valuable, and most demanding, certifications
Check your 8(a) eligibility
Tell us about your ownership and business and a specialist will review your fit. No payment required to start.

A specialist follows up within one business day.

What you get

What we handle

The 8(a) application is detailed and document heavy. Here is what we manage with you.

Eligibility review

We check ownership, control, social and economic disadvantage, and size before you invest time.

Application preparation

We assemble the full application package the way the SBA expects to receive it.

Economic disadvantage support

Help organizing the personal financial information the program requires.

Narrative and evidence

The supporting narrative and documentation that show you meet each requirement.

Response to SBA requests

We respond to the follow-up questions and document requests that commonly come up.

A dedicated case manager

One point of contact who guides the application through to a decision.

Is this right for you

Who this is for

The 8(a) program is for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

This is a good fit if
You are a small business under the SBA size limit for your industry
You are at least 51 percent owned and controlled by disadvantaged individuals
You can document the program eligibility requirements
You are registered in SAM and ready to pursue federal work
It may not be the right time if
You are not yet registered in SAM, start there first
You do not meet the ownership or disadvantage requirements, we will tell you honestly
What you get

8(a) application, handled

Eligibility review through submission, with a dedicated case manager. A specialist confirms your fit before any filing.

8(a) Certification
Done with you

We prepare and submit your 8(a) application end to end, from eligibility review through the SBA decision.

Eligibility assessment against all 8(a) criteria
Full application preparation and submission
Personal financial documentation support
Supporting narrative and evidence
Response to SBA requests for information
Dedicated case manager through the decision

Scope and pricing depend on your situation. Book a call and we will confirm what your 8(a) application involves.

Start My 8(a) Application

Questions about the options? Book a free call.

How it works

A clear path, handled for you

No guesswork. Here is what happens once you book a call.

1Review

We confirm eligibility

A specialist reviews your ownership, size, and disadvantage criteria against the program.

2Prepare

We build the package

We gather documents and assemble the application the way the SBA expects.

3File

We submit and respond

We file the application and handle the SBA follow-up requests.

4Compete

You pursue 8(a) work

Once certified, you can pursue the sole-source and set-aside contracts the program opens.

Questions

Common questions

How long is the 8(a) program?

It is a nine-year term. The application itself takes time to prepare and for the SBA to review, and a specialist can give you a realistic estimate for your situation.

What makes 8(a) different from other set-asides?

Beyond set-aside contracts, the 8(a) program allows sole-source awards up to certain limits and includes business development support over the nine years. It is also one of the more demanding to qualify for.

Can I hold 8(a) along with other certifications?

Often yes. Many firms qualify for more than one program. We review all of them so you can pursue every set-aside you are eligible for.

Works well with

Pairs well with these services

Most clients combine a few of these to build a complete federal presence. Here is what fits alongside this.

Get started

Find out if you qualify for 8(a).

Book a free eligibility call and a specialist will give you a straight answer.