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Day: May 24, 2023

8(a) Eligibility

Posted on by Joe Klein

The SBA 8(a) program provides business development assistance to small businesses that are socially and economically disadvantaged. To be eligible for the program, businesses must meet specific criteria. This includes being a small business, demonstrating social and economic disadvantage, being owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual, and showing good character. Additionally, applicants must have a personal net worth below a certain threshold and meet the applicable size standards for their primary industry. Meeting these eligibility requirements opens up opportunities for government contracts, mentorship, and training through the 8(a) program.

 

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HUBZone Eligibility

Posted on by Joe Klein

The eligibility requirements for the HUBZone program are as follows:

  1. Small Business Status: The business must qualify as a small business according to the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) size standards for its primary industry.
  2. Principal Office Location: The business must have its principal office located in a designated HUBZone. HUBZones are typically economically disadvantaged areas with low median household incomes or high unemployment rates.
  3. Ownership: At least 51% of the business must be owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an Indian Tribe, an Alaska Native Corporation, a Native Hawaiian Organization, or a small agricultural cooperative.
  4. Employee Residency: The business must ensure that at least 35% of its employees reside in a HUBZone. This requirement applies during the performance of any HUBZone contract the business receives.
  5. Certification: The business must be certified as a HUBZone small business by the SBA. This involves completing the necessary application and providing supporting documentation to demonstrate eligibility.

Meeting these eligibility requirements allows a business to participate in the HUBZone program and gain access to federal contracting opportunities with set-aside preferences. It is important to note that maintaining compliance with the program’s requirements is essential to retain HUBZone certification and continue benefiting from the program.

You can check if your business qualifies for a HUBZone Certification below!

HUBZone Eligibility Map

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VOSB Eligibility

Posted on by Joe Klein

To become certified as a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB), it is crucial to fulfill the necessary requirements outlined below:

  1. Military Service: You must have served on active duty with the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, or Coast Guard.
  2. Honorable Discharge: You must have received an honorable discharge or release from your military service.
  3. Veteran Ownership: A minimum of 51% of your business must be owned by veterans. This demonstrates the significant involvement of veterans in the company.
  4. Active Management: You should actively participate in managing the company’s operations on a daily basis, showcasing your direct involvement in its affairs.

For Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), the following criteria are applicable in addition to the above:

  1. Disability Rating: You need to provide either a disability rating letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or a disability determination from the Department of Defense. This certification validates your status as a service-disabled veteran.

By meeting these requirements, you can pursue VOSB certification. SDVOSBs must ensure they have the necessary documentation to prove their disability status.

WOSB Eligibility

Posted on by Joe Klein

To qualify for WOSB certification, the applicant company must meet specific criteria. Firstly, the company must be considered “small” according to SBA’s size standards for its primary industry, as outlined in 13 CFR 127. It is recommended to refer to the NAICS listing and its corresponding size standards for verification. Additionally, the applicant company must have at least 51% unconditional and direct ownership and control by one or more U.S. citizen women. Management and daily operation must be under the control of one or more women owners who make long-term decisions for the business.

For corporations, specific criteria apply: Women must either constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or hold a majority of the Board votes through weighted voting. Alternatively, women must represent 51% of the voting power, serve on the Board, and possess enough voting power to overcome any supermajority requirement.

The WBENC certification process ensures compliance with WOSB standards through a comprehensive two-part approach involving thorough documentation review and a site visit interview with the female owner/s. It is recommended to review the WOSB Ready site for additional program requirements. A comprehensive listing of the WOSB Program NAICS Codes is available as well.

Note that if the applicant company is currently debarred or suspended from Federal Government Contracting, it is not eligible for WOSB certification.

In addition to meeting the above criteria, applicants must be registered in the SAM (System for Award Management) and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued by www.sam.gov. It’s important to note that there is no fee for SAM registration, and applicants should ensure they access the correct site: www.sam.gov. If experiencing difficulties with SAM registration, supplemental instructions are provided.

Regarding WOSB Federal Contracting eligibility, the federal government restricts competition under the WOSB Program only in specific industries as specified in 13 C.F.R. 127.500. SBA has identified these industries based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. If any NAICS code listed on the WOSB certificate corresponds to a WOSB code on the NAICS listing for the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program set-asides, the applicant is considered eligible.

 

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Is 8a certification worth it?

Posted on by Joe Klein

When it comes to government contracts, the potential profitability can vary depending on the type of set-aside program. While some small business set-aside contracts may involve relatively small dollar amounts, such as $20,000 or less, 8(a) contracts present a different opportunity and hold the potential for greater profitability. Under the 8(a) Business Development Program, small businesses that offer products or services have the chance to earn contracts of up to $4 million, providing a significant growth opportunity. Furthermore, for manufacturing firms, the potential contract value extends even higher, reaching up to $6.5 million. These higher contract thresholds in the 8(a) program open doors for small businesses to pursue larger and more lucrative opportunities, allowing them to expand their operations and increase their revenue potential. Therefore, for eligible businesses, pursuing 8(a) certification can offer the prospect of securing more profitable contracts in comparison to other small business set-aside programs.

 

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What is an SBA certificate?

Posted on by Joe Klein

An SBA certificate refers to a certification issued by the Small Business Administration (SBA), a government agency in the United States. The SBA offers various certification programs to support and promote small businesses, including programs like 8(a) Business Development, Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone). These certificates serve as official recognition that a business meets specific criteria and qualifies for certain benefits, such as access to government contracts, preferential treatment in procurement opportunities, and assistance in business development.

 

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What does SBA 8 A certified mean?

Posted on by Joe Klein

SBA 8(a) certification signifies that a business has been approved and recognized by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a participant in the 8(a) Business Development Program. This program is specifically designed to assist small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Being SBA 8(a) certified opens up a range of opportunities for these businesses, including access to government contracts set aside exclusively for 8(a) certified firms, mentorship from experienced business professionals, and training programs to enhance their capabilities and competitiveness. The certification demonstrates that the business meets the eligibility criteria and is poised to receive support and resources to foster its growth and development.

 

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How do you qualify as a federal small business?

Posted on by Joe Klein

The Small Business Administration (SBA) applies specific size standards to each industry, known as NAICS codes. Generally, manufacturing companies with up to 500 employees and non-manufacturing businesses with average annual receipts under $7.5 million are considered small businesses. However, it’s important to note that there are industry-specific exceptions to these standards.

In certain sectors, such as professional services or construction, the size threshold for qualifying as a small business may vary. These exceptions take into account the unique characteristics and economic dynamics of specific industries. It’s crucial for businesses to consult the SBA’s size standards table or seek guidance to determine the specific size standard applicable to their industry.

Understanding the size standards is essential for businesses seeking government contracts, as they influence eligibility for various programs and preferences. The SBA’s comprehensive guidelines help ensure fair competition and provide opportunities for small businesses across a wide range of industries.

Check your businesses eligibility using our Small Business Calculator!

Small Business Calculator

 

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How do I check my HUBZone status?

Posted on by Joe Klein

The Small Business Administration’s HUBZone application system, accessible through the website www.sba.gov/hubzone, offers a convenient feature to track the status of your application in real time. By simply accessing the certification function on the homepage and choosing the “Check Application Status” option, applicants can easily monitor the progress of their submission. This user-friendly system empowers businesses to stay informed about the evaluation process, ensuring transparency and facilitating timely updates. Stay engaged and informed by utilizing this efficient tool provided by the SBA for monitoring your HUBZone application status.

Check your HUBZone Eligibility by clicking below

 

HUBZone Eligibility Tool

Do you know your SAM Registration status?

One of the requirements to keep your HUBZone Certification is to have an ACTIVE SAM registration. Check your SAM status by clicking below

Check SAM Status

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What is the 20% rule for HUBZone?

Posted on by Joe Klein

During the application process, a company must certify its commitment to maintain a workforce where at least 35% of its employees reside in a HUBZone while executing any HUBZone contracts. If the company is owned in whole or in part by one or more Indian Tribal Governments, it must similarly strive to meet the applicable employment percentage requirement. Making substantial and well-documented efforts, such as offering employment, advertising job vacancies, and participating in job fairs, are considered attempts to maintain compliance. It’s important to note that these obligations only apply during the performance of HUBZone contracts. Failure to meet the HUBZone residency requirement with less than 20% of employees residing in a HUBZone during contract execution will be deemed as a failure to make the required attempt.

Check your HUBZone Eligibility using our tool by clicking below!

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HUBZone Eligibility Tool

 

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