8(a) certification
The SBA's flagship program for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses, and a natural partner to a MAS contract.
$6,200 bundled with a MAS application | $6,700 individually
What the 8(a) program is
The 8(a) Business Development program is administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete for federal work. Participants can receive sole-source contracts up to statutory dollar limits and compete for 8(a) set-aside awards. To qualify, a firm must also show potential for success, and be free of control issues: no one else may be able to exercise control over the owner.
Firms stay in the program for nine years, after which they graduate and can no longer receive 8(a) awards. That clock makes it important to use the years well, and a MAS contract is one of the best tools for doing so.
The application
An 8(a) application has an online portion and a substantial written portion covering the applicant's personal background and finances, plus the company's formation and financial documents. The narratives that explain economic and, where required, social disadvantage are the most scrutinized pieces. SBA's review is detailed, and it needs to be matched by equally careful preparation.
How we help
Assessment call
A long strategy call with the majority owner(s) to assess the business and its likelihood of certification. If we do not recommend applying, we say so and lay out a remedy plan.
Preparation (about 4 to 6 weeks)
Interviews and drafts of your disadvantage narratives, pre-filled templates, and a thorough review and audit of every document and financial statement.
Final assembly
A tabbed, indexed application checked against every SBA guideline before it goes in.
SBA review (typically about 3 to 4 months)
A well-structured application usually gets a decision in that window. Newer firms, or those needing extra background checks, can take longer.
Your engagement includes an introductory federal marketing session so you know how to sell once you are certified.
Why add a MAS?
Studies of schedule data repeatedly show 8(a) firms that also hold a MAS generate substantially more federal revenue. Many 8(a) sales still flow through open, schedule-based buying, and the MAS is where buyers do market research. IT and professional services are the largest 8(a) industries on the schedule, but niche fields often outperform them.
The 8(a) program has seen important rule and policy changes recently. For the latest eligibility guidance, our sister division Ez8a keeps a dedicated 8(a) resource center.
Ready to talk through your MAS contract?
Book a no-obligation call and we will tell you honestly whether the MAS program fits your firm.