8(a) Program Contracts

The 8(a) program is a 9-year business development program for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. It provides access to set-aside and sole-source contracts, mentoring, and business development assistance.

Qualification requires the business to be at least 51% owned by individuals who are socially disadvantaged (including racial minorities and others who have faced discrimination) and economically disadvantaged (personal net worth under $850,000). The business must also demonstrate potential for success.

Benefits include sole-source contracts up to $4 million ($7 million for manufacturing), set-aside contracts, mentor-protégé opportunities, management and technical assistance, and access to federal contracting training.

The 8(a) program is a 9-year program divided into two stages: a 4-year developmental stage and a 5-year transition stage. Participants must demonstrate increasing competitiveness and decreasing reliance on set-asides during the program.