The 8(a) Business Development Program is a business assistance program for small disadvantaged businesses. The 8(a) Program offers a broad scope of assistance to firms that are owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The program is an essential instrument for helping socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs to gain a foothold in government contracting. Participation in the program is divided into two phases over nine years: a four-year developmental stage and a five-year transition stage.
For more information: 8(a) Business Development Program
The Department of Defense (DoD) and Small Business Administration (SBA) Partnership Agreement provides DoD contract activities with a greater amount of involvement and responsibility in awarding 8(a) contracts. The agreement streamlines and adds flexibility to the 8(a) program creating greater opportunity for DoD activities to select and award 8(a) contracts.
DoD - SBA Partnership Agreement - 8(a) Program [PDF]