8(a) Certification: Who Qualifies, How to Apply, and the Bids It Opens
Updated
The SBA's 8(a) Business Development program is for small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged people. Certified firms can bid on contracts set aside for 8(a) firms only, 44 of them open today, and can receive some contracts without competition. Federal Bid Alerts sends the new 8(a) set-asides that match your business every morning.
Newest 8(a) set-asides
Who qualifies
- A small business under the SBA size standard for its main NAICS code.
- At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more US citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged, who run the business day to day.
- Economic disadvantage is measured by the owners' net worth, income and assets, under limits the SBA sets.
- Usually two years in business, with good character and the ability to perform.
How social disadvantage is shown changed after a 2023 federal court ruling, and the program has been under review since 2025: read the SBA's current 8(a) guidance before you apply.
How to apply
- Be registered and active in SAM.gov (how).
- Apply online through the SBA's certification portal, with ownership, financial and tax documents for the business and its owners.
- The SBA reviews the application and may ask for more documents.
What it gives you
- Access to 8(a) set-asides and sole-source awards.
- A program term of up to nine years, with business development help from the SBA.
- Joint ventures and mentor-protégé arrangements with larger firms.
Questions
What is 8(a) certification?
Certification in the SBA 8(a) Business Development program, for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people. It opens 8(a) set-aside and sole-source federal contracts.
How long does the 8(a) program last?
Up to nine years.
How many 8(a) contracts are open?
44 federal contract opportunities were set aside for 8(a) firms on Oct 19, 2026.