Certifications - 8(a), SDB, DBE, WOB, VOB, SDVOB

This section is to address issues related to various types of certifications.

Currently there is an article that covers the 8(a) process versus SDB, and some pros and cons of both.

Are certification programs unfairly enriching the wealthy?

Few like to talk about this issue because they may secretly want to be, or are trying to be one of those firm who are unfairly enriched. If you can’t say Amen then just say Ouch! By the way, the information gleaned here can be applied to other certification types such as SDVOSB and WOSB. And it is also important to those who intend on teaming with a firm for their certification value. So I would encourage everyone to read the articles I reference from the Bloomberg news link toward the end of the full article. Many who are 8(a) certified are concerned about the difficulty for a “very small” business to get a competitive 8(a) contract, let alone a sole source set-aside. Others who are thinking about getting 8(a) certified or are going through the application process are frustrated at the difficulty of obtaining the certification. Well there are reasons to be concerned...

8(a) New Business Development Agent or Commission Fees - Know the new guideline under 13 CFR 124.4

Please review the restrictions on fees for Applicant and Participant Representative Fees! 13 CFR 124.4. Inquiry:
What restrictions apply to fees for Applicant and Participant representatives?

Federal court gives HUBZone program priority

A federal judge has thrown a wrench into the Obama administration’s small-business contracting policy by ruling that agencies must give priority to businesses in economically depressed areas when setting aside contracts for small businesses.

“The court interprets the language of the HUBZone competition provision—‘shall be awarded’—to be mandatory,” the judge wrote in an opinion released March 2.

VA tightens rules for veterans contracting program

The Veterans Affairs Department has set strict guidelines for bidding on contracts set-aside for veteran-owned small businesses. Entrepreneurs will be allowed only one company at a time in the contracting program and must work full time in the business, according to a final rule published on Monday, February 8, 2010 in the Federal Register.

SDB Certification - News

Effective October 1, 2008, the SBA will no longer certify for SDB status and small businesses will be allowed to self-certify if they meet the criteria established by the SBA. U.S. Small Business Administration News Release October 2, 2008 SBA Small Disadvantaged Business Certification SDB Questions and Answers Q. Why did the SBA suspend the receipt of applications for the SDB program? A. Since FY 1999, SBA, on behalf of federal procuring agencies, certified Small Disadvantaged Businesses SDBs, which were then entitled to receive price evaluation adjustments of up to 10 percent for federal procurement. The SDB certification process is meant to ensure that only eligible firms received the SDB benefit (price evaluation adjustment). On December 9, 2004, statutory authority to use the SDB price evaluation adjustment ended for the majority of federal procuring agencies. Authority to use the adjustments was still permitted to three agencies, the Department of Defense, NASA, and the Coast Guard, which used it under separate authority running through 2009.

8a, SDB, or Neither?

Thinking about becoming an 8a or SDB? Do you wonder what to expect from the application process? Is it really the route you should go? Which one should I choose? What is the difference? Lets see if I can help in the decision. There are definitely benefits to following this path. However, Contracts Will Not Automatically Fall In Your Lap. You will still have to do Marketing within the 8a and SDB environment. And it takes effort. Unless you already have strong contacts you should plan on establishing some. Now I believe having an 8a or SDB certification provides disadvantaged businesses another strong vehicle to assist in the marketing process. You still have to be good at what you do and provide a quality product at a reasonable price...