8a Business Development Certification

Businesses that are 8a certified can take advantage of special government programs, including increased access to government contracting opportunities that can help them grow their business quicker.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria for certification:

• The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual. This individual must be a U.S. citizen.
• Demonstration of economic disadvantage is based on the following Personal Financial Criteria:

   

  Adjusted Net Worth must not exceed $750,000 (excluding ownership in business and primary personal residence, income reinvested or used to pay taxes of business, or funds in an IRA)

  Personal Income must not exceed $350,000 (averaged over three years, excludes income reinvested or used to pay taxes of business)

  Total Assets must not exceed $6 million (allows for growth during the 9-year term). Total Assets includes applicant’s primary residence and the value of the business concern, but excludes funds invested in IRA or other official retirement account

   

• Business has not already participated in the 8(a) program
• Applicant (individual) must devote full-time hours to the business
• Applicant business generated revenue during the preceding two years. If no, provide letters of reference for recent successful performance, as well as bank statements
• 70% or more of the firm’s revenue cannot be derived from just one client
• 50% or more of the business cannot be derived from sub-contracts
• The applicant, any owner, key employee, etc. cannot be on probation or parole
• The business concern, applicant(s) and any other owner cannot have filed bankruptcy in the last seven years, unless discharged by the court, and cannot be involved in any pending lawsuits
• All federal debts and obligations must be paid
• The business cannot be owned by an irrevocable trust. The trust must be revocable, where the individual is the grantor, the trustee, and the sole current beneficiary of the trust

Benefits of Participation

Certified business recieve these benefits:

• 5% of prime contracts are mandated to be awarded to an 8(a) certified business
• Government assigned contact to mentor you through the entire 9 year program
• Access to set-aside government procurement’s that you previously could not access or bid
• Your organization will have access to business counseling services from your assigned government 8(a) certification officer
• Your organization will have access to 8(a) training that will increase your awareness of he different set-aside procurement’s and avenues to maximize revenue
• Eligible for financial assistance such as: low interest loans, grants, and other fiduciary benefits that only 8(a) certification holders have access to
• Sole Source Awards, 8(a) Competitive Contracts, Mentor Protégé Program, Marketing, & access to the 8(a) logos to market your business

About SELECT GCR

Select GCR is a consulting firm committed to helping small and medium sized businesses achieve growth through government contracting. We identify the best path to success for each individual business and assist in the completion of all necessary registrations and certifications.

Our strategic involvement simplifies the overall process and allows business owners to focus efforts on their principle business activities.

Why Partner with Select GCR?