Working with an SBA 8(a) Certified Firm
Federal Agencies with a Small Business Program will understand how to guide their contracting officers, planners and engineers through the sole source contract program. Because the 8(a) program is a federal mandate, Federal Agencies get credit for the amount of work they issue to an 8(a), Disadvantaged Business, and Small Business. Sole source contracts are usually approved in a matter of days.
Contact our SBA 8(a) Specialist
Reach out directly to our dedicated Business Opportunity Specialist for assistance with sole-source contracting.
Vernice D. Mathis
FAC-C Certified
Business Opportunity Specialist
5726 Professional Cir, Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46241
Fax: 202-481-5962
How the Program Works
Intended to benefit both the client as well as the contractor, the 8(a) program ensures quality performance. Prior to acceptance into the program, the contractor is subjected to a rigorous review of its ownership, daily management, operations, experience and financial status.
Only those contractors that can document disadvantaged business status and demonstrate the viability of the organization are accepted into the program. The contractor, once accepted, is required to provide the SBA with a detailed business plan that must be updated annually.
Upon acceptance, each contractor is assigned NAICS codes based on the qualifications and experience of the company and key personnel. Performance of 8(a) contracts is then limited to those NAICS codes. As a company gains experience and expertise, it may request additional codes from the SBA based on documentation of this experience.
Program Benefits
Any federal agency can set-aside work especially suited for 8(a) firms without the need to advertise on FBO.gov. This allows the federal agency to award a service contract to an 8(a) firm without the lengthy contracting delay.
Sole-Source contracting is less complex and more time efficient. A formal RFP is not required.
Without the need to post an RFQ or RFP, working directly with the 8(a) firm is more cost-effective.
How Sole Source Works
The project manager or interested party identifies a statement of work (SoW), prepares an estimate, and earmarks funds for the project.
The agency chooses DBISP, LLC to preform the work.
An authorization to negotiate is obtained from the SBA by filling out a Small Business Coordination Record form. The interested party may consult with their Small Business Program Office to complete the Request Form (e.g., DOD uses DD Form 2579).
Prepared contract documents must include: “Request procurement be made pursuant to Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act 15 U.S.C. 637(a) and in accordance with FAR 19.8.”
Once the procurement request has been made, the Small Business Deputy or the Contract Officer prepares an offer letter or a proposed project form (FAR 19.804-2).
After offering information is processed by the SBA, the Contracting Officer submits the Scope of Work and Request for Quotation to DBISP, LLC.
DBISP, LLC submits its proposal and the package is evaluated and negotiated (if necessary) by the agency.
The final contract is officially awarded.