Questions
How long does 8(a) certification take?
SBA 8(a) certification typically takes 90 days from submission of a complete application, though complex cases may take longer.
Government Contracting Q&A
Direct answers to common questions about federal contracting, organized by what you need to know.
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Questions
How long does a GAO protest take to resolve?
GAO must issue a decision within 100 days of filing. Express options can reduce this to 65 days.
Questions
When does the federal fiscal year start and end?
The federal fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30. FY2026 started on October 1, 2025 and ends September 30, 2026.
Questions
How long does SAM.gov registration take?
SAM.gov registration typically takes 10-14 business days for new entities, though it can take longer if there are validation issues with IRS records.
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