|
New Online Application for SBA's
8(a) Program Will Make It Easier and Less Costly for Companies to Get
Certification
The U.S. Small Business Administration recently unveiled a new electronic
online application that will make it easier, faster and less expensive for small
companies to apply for 8(a) Business Development and Small Disadvantaged
Business Certification directly from the SBA's web site.
Announced during a luncheon at Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week by
SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto, the new automated application will
substantially reduce the time and cost burdens imposed on small businesses
applying for certification.
"The newly launched
8(a) online application will allow small businesses to
apply for 8(a) and SDB certification directly from the SBA's web site, and
ensure more small businesses are able to successfully compete for federal
contracting opportunities," Barreto said. "This user-friendly application
represents another accomplishment for this Administration in developing e-Gov
tools that make access to information less cumbersome for small business.
The SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program helps small businesses owned,
controlled, and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals
by providing management, technical, financial and federal contracting assistance
with the aim of helping these entrepreneurs create viable businesses. About
8,300 companies are presently certified in the 8(a) program. During FY 2003,
$9.56 billion in federal contracts were awarded to companies participating in
the program.
The new automated application was developed by an 8(a) firm, Simplicity, Inc.
in conjunction with the SBA's Office of Government Contracting and Business
Development. It employs decision logic to screen applications allowing the SBA
to review and process applications more efficiently and provide improved
customer service. A demonstration of the application was given during the
MEDWeek conference.
The application is 100 percent web-based, allowing applicants to apply
without downloading any software or plug-ins, replacing a four-page written
application that required substantial supporting documentation. The online
application incorporates features including context sensitive help, real-time
validation, printer-ready versions and integrates with the Central Contractor
Registry (CCR).
For more information, visit the SBA web site at
www.sba.gov.
|