There are some programs available designed to assist small
disadvantaged businesses in the efforts to receive Federal
contracts.
8(a) Business Development Program
Under the 8(a)
Business Development Program, participants can receive
sole-source contracts up to a ceiling of $3 million for goods
and services and $5 million for manufacturing. The US Small
Business Administration (SBA) has signed Memorandums of Understanding
with 25 Federal agencies allowing them to contract directly
with certified 8(a) firms. To qualify for the program, a small
business must be owned and controlled by a socially and economically
disadvantaged individual. Under the Small Business Act, certain
presumed groups include African Americans, Hispanic Americans,
Asian Pacific Americans, and Subcontinent Asian Americans.
In order to meet the economic disadvantage test, all individuals
must have a net worth of less than $250,000, excluding the
value of the business and personal residence. Successful applicants
must also meet applicable size standards for small business
concerns; be in business for at least two years; display reasonable
success potential; and display good character.
To apply to the 8(a) Program or obtain more information,
visit the 8(a) web site.
Mentor-Protégé Program
The SBA's Mentor-Protégé
Program enhances the capability of 8(a) participants to
compete more successfully for federal government contracts
by encouraging private-sector relationships. Mentors provide
technical and management assistance, financial assistance
in the form of equity investments and/or loans, subcontract
support, and assistance in performing prime contracts through
joint venture arrangements with 8(a) firms. Mentor and protégé
firms enter into an SBA-approved written agreement outlining
the protégé's needs and describing the assistance
the mentor has committed to providing. The protégé
must meet certain requirements to participate in the program.
To learn more about this program, visit the Mentor-Protégé
web site.
Small Disadvantaged Business Program
Under federal procurement regulations, the SBA certifies
Small Disadvantaged
Businesses (SDB) for participation in federal procurements
aimed at overcoming the effects of discrimination. Small disadvantaged
businesses are eligible for price evaluation adjustments of
up to 10 percent when bidding on federal contracts in certain
industries. The program also provides evaluation credits for
prime contractors who achieve SDB subcontracting targets.
The price evaluation credits are authorized in certain industry
categories, or SIC Codes. In addition, SDB participation is
an evaluation factor can provide monetary incentives for prime
contractors that meet specified targets for SDB subcontracting
in the SIC major groups. Qualifications for the program are
similar to those for the 8(a) Business Development Program.
In order to take advantage of the SDB Program, a small business
must be certified by the SBA. To learn more and apply for
certification, visit the SDB web site.
HUBZone
The HUBzone
Empowerment Contracting program provides federal contracting
opportunities for qualified small businesses located in distressed
areas. The program was enacted into law as part of the Small
Business Reauthorization Act of 1997 and falls under the auspices
of the US Small Business Administration. Further, the program
encourages economic development in historically underutilized
business zones, called "HUBZones," through the establishment
of preferences. If a small business meets all of the criteria
to qualify for the Hubzone program, it could provide an advantage
in bidding on Federal contracts. Also, the program only applies
to certain Federal agencies. Visit the HUBZone web site for
more detailed information and instructions on how to apply.
Assistance
PTAC counselors in North Carolina can provide assistance
in such areas as:
- research contract award histories
- understand solicitation requirements and terminology
- locate specifications and standards
- register with Central Contractor Registration (CCR)
- explain how the federal government uses electronic transactions
- search government databases to identify opportunities
for your product or service
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