8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business
Serviced Disabled Veteran Owned

The Small Business Administration's 8(a) program is intended to help emerging enterprises participate in competitive acquisitions. By qualifying small businesses under 8(a), the SBA ensures industry and other potential customers that a small business has bona fide capabilities, financial stability, operational integrity, a favorable record of past performance and a solid plan for the future.

The primary benefit to customers is that it enables agencies to award sole-source contracts, up to a ceiling of $3 million for goods and services and $5 million for manufacturing. Additionally, 8(a) contracting eliminates a lengthy solicitation process, streamlines paperwork and fulfills Federal acquisition policies which require Federal agencies to award a certain percentage of their contracts to 8(a)’s.

To speed up the award process, the SBA has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with 25 Federal agencies allowing them to contract directly with certified 8(a) firms. Recent changes also permit 8(a) firms to form joint ventures and teams to bid on contracts. This enhances the ability of 8(a) firms to perform larger prime contracts and overcome the effects of contract bundling, the combining of two or more contracts together into one large contract.

Ventura Technology Enterprises, Ltd. was awarded 8(a) status in 2003 with eligibility running through 2012 and is providing services contracted through the 8(a) process to numerous Armed Forces entities.

For more information on 8(a) contracting contact us.