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  1. Fonteum
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  5. 8(a) Program
Federal Contracting · Fonteum Data GlossaryRegulatory

What is the 8(a) program?

Full name: SBA 8(a) Business Development Program

The 8(a) Business Development Program is a U.S. Small Business Administration program that helps small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete for federal contracts. Named for Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, it offers a nine-year term of training, mentoring, and access to sole-source and set-aside awards. A debarment or exclusion can end eligibility.

Last updated: 2026-06-20Reviewed by: Fonteum data standards desk — Source-provenance editorial review. Definitions checked against primary federal sources.

How it’s used

  • SBA certification: a firm must be certified by the SBA under 13 CFR Part 124 to receive 8(a) sole-source and set-aside contracts.
  • Federal set-asides: agencies direct a share of contracting dollars to 8(a) firms, making certification a meaningful federal-award advantage.
  • Eligibility screening: a debarment, suspension, or other exclusion in SAM.gov can disqualify a firm, so 8(a) status and exclusion records are read together.

Frequently asked questions

What is the 8(a) program?
The 8(a) Business Development Program is an SBA program that helps small disadvantaged businesses win federal contracts through a nine-year term of mentoring and access to set-aside and sole-source awards.
Who qualifies for the 8(a) program?
A firm must be a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged, and meet the SBA's eligibility tests under 13 CFR Part 124.
How long does 8(a) certification last?
The 8(a) program term is nine years from the date of certification, after which a firm graduates from the program.

Related terms

  • SAM Exclusion
  • Suspension and Debarment
  • UEI
  • CAGE Code
  • FAPIIS

Explore in Fonteum

How Fonteum sources, resolves, and publishes data tied to this term.

  • Use case8(a) certification guide
  • Use caseFederal contracting hub

Authoritative sources

  • SBA: 8(a) Business Development Program↗
  • 13 CFR Part 124 — 8(a) program regulations↗
← All glossary terms

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Reviewed by Jennifer Montecillo, MD, medical reviewer. Non-practicing medical reviewer.

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