Background
The 8(a) program name comes from Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act. The Act, as amended by Congress, created the 8(a) program so the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) could help small companies owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged persons develop their businesses. To become a participant in the program, companies submit an application to the SBA and subsequently go through a rigorous approval process in which the company’s ownership, operations, financial status, and experience are evaluated. Companies that are approved are certified by the SBA for a period of nine years.
SBA 8(m) Women-Owned Small Business Program
Nearly a decade in the making, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Women-Owned Small Business Program (WOSB) — also referred to as 8(m) — will allow federal agencies to set aside contracts specifically for WOSBs. The final rule, “The Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Assistance Procedures”, was published in the Federal Register on October 7th and established some provisions for the program:
To qualify as a WOSB a concern must: be considered a small business as defined by the business’ applicable NAICS code, and at least 51% directly owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. Businesses may obtain WOSB certification from a third-party certifier approved by SBA. Businesses may also self-certify as a WOSB, but are then required to submit additional documentation to the WOSB Program Repository.
To qualify as a WOSB set-aside contract: the product/service to be procured must fall under one of the 83 eligible NAICS codes, and the anticipated award price of the contract must not exceed $5 million for manufacturing contracts or $3 million for all other contracts.
Small Business Teaming
To maximize efficiency and contain costs government agencies are consolidating contracts. To ensure small business usage goals are met Small Business Teaming is a vehicle. Here is a resource called “Facilitating Small Business Team Arrangements” for federal contract officers.