It is essential to understand that 8a Contracts are not always the best option for all businesses. Although they may be beneficial in some cases, it’s important to evaluate if this type of contract would suit your needs prior to signing a legally binding agreement.
A business that meets the aforementioned criteria and can demonstrate ownership by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual, size requirements, and good standing are eligible for 8a contracts. This includes many small businesses such as construction contractors, service providers, manufacturers, healthcare providers, software developers, and more!
In this blog, we’ve provided a brief overview of what 8a Contracts are, who is eligible for them, and why they may be beneficial for certain businesses.
What Are 8a Contracts
8a Contracts are specialized contracts designed to help small and disadvantaged businesses gain access to the US Government marketplace. These contracts allow government agencies to use their budget to purchase goods and services from 8a-certified companies rather than larger corporations.
What Businesses Are Eligible To Take Advantage of 8a Contracts?
8a contracts are available to any business that has been certified as a Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) by the US Small Business Administration (SBA). To qualify, a company must demonstrate that it is owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, such as women, minorities, veterans, or individuals with disabilities.
only those businesses who have the following criteria can have 8a contracts
1. Small Business
A small business is one whose size is determined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and is typically defined by either the number of employees or its average annual receipts (gross income for sole proprietorships). In order to be eligible for an 8a contract, a business must meet certain criteria. It must be independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field of operations, and meet the SBA’s definition or standards for small businesses.
For example, an aviation business qualifies as small if it has 1,500 or fewer employees. In contrast, companies handling data processing are considered small if their average yearly earnings don’t exceed $32.5 million.
2. Meeting Specific Financial Criteria
In addition to meeting the SBA’s definition of a small business, businesses must also meet certain financial criteria in order to be eligible for 8a contracts. Specifically, these include:
- Having a net worth lower than $250,000
- Having an average adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $750,000 over the previous three years
- Having a tangible net worth that is lower than $6 million
3. Size Requirements
Size requirements are an important aspect to consider when determining eligibility for 8a Contracts. Generally, businesses must have a typical size as outlined by the small business administration (SBA) definition in order to qualify. The specific criteria for size requirements depend on the industry but typically involve either the number of employees or average annual receipts. The size of the business must have fewer than 500 employees in order to be considered “small” and eligible for an 8a contract.
4. Owner Qualifications
8a contracts are designed to help small and disadvantaged businesses gain access to the US Government marketplace. Therefore, it’s important that the business owners meet specific qualifications to be eligible for an 8a contract.
Generally, these qualifications include being a legal citizen of the United States and having a valid Social Security Number (SSN). Additionally, at least 51% of the business must be owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual.
5. Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Ownership
Only those businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals can apply for an 8a contract. This includes women, minorities, veterans, or individuals with disabilities who demonstrate that they have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias due to their race, ethnicity, or gender.
In order to qualify as economically disadvantaged, an individual’s net worth must be less than $750,000 (excluding investments in their business and official retirement accounts, along with the equity of their primary home), average adjusted gross income should not exceed $350,000 over the last three years and assets cannot amount to more than $6 million (with the exclusion of funds invested in a formal retirement account).
6. Length of Business Operations
The business must have operated for at least two years prior to the date of submission in order to be eligible for an 8a contract. This requirement is waived if the individual has a proven track record of success in a related field.
7. Good Characters
To be eligible for the Small Business Administration program, applicants must demonstrate a track record of good character. This evaluation encompasses criminal activity, any violation or infringements of SBA regulations, and prohibitions from federal contracting. In addition to this criteria, applicants typically need two years of experience in their primary field classification prior to applying. Following these criteria can pave a path towards promising success with the program!
8. Past Performance
The business must have an established record of satisfactory performance on previous contracts. If the business has not had previous contracts, then the SBA will consider other factors such as the experience and qualifications of its management team, financial resources, and other sources of technical or managerial assistance.
9. Business Plan
For any 8a contract application, a business plan must be submitted that outlines the objectives and strategies for the success of the business. The plan should include market research, financial projections, and an analysis of the competition. This business plan will be reviewed by the SBA in order to ensure that all requirements are met.
10. 8a Certification
Finally, the business must receive 8a certification from the SBA in order to be eligible to apply for an 8a contract. The SBA will review all of the criteria listed above and make a determination as to whether or not the business is eligible for this program. If it is approved, then the business will receive its 8a certification, which will enable it to apply for an 8a contract.
With these 10 requirements in mind, businesses can start their journey toward unlocking the potential of an 8a contract. Although the program’s qualifications may seem strict and rigid, there are plenty of resources available to help guide businesses through the process. By preparing ahead of time and ensuring that all criteria have been met, businesses can create a successful application for an 8a contract.
Are You Looking for an 8a-Certified Contractor? Valet Works Is Here
If you are looking to construct or remodel your property, Valet Works can provide the help and support that you need. We specialize in 8a-certified contractors, offering a combination of quality craftsmanship and superior customer service.
Our team of professionals has years of experience working with commercial and residential construction projects and is committed to delivering the best possible results for our clients. Contact us today to find out more!