SBA 8(a) Program Advantages

MEETING the CHALLENGE

Bold Cape Information Technologies LLC is an SBA 8(a) Certified Alaska Native Village Corporation (ANC). The SBA 8(a) program was designed to help socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses such as Bold Cape compete in the federal marketplace. Not only does the SBA 8(a) program level the playing field for businesses such as ANCs, but it also provides the Government with the advantage of selecting the right partner. The streamlined and efficient procurement process through direct-award contracts offers incredible flexibility for the Government in meeting acquisition and mission requirements. Not only beneficial for the Government, ANCs are able to support socially and economically disadvantaged peoples, such as those of the Native Village of King Cove.

The Benefits of Sole-Source

The flexibility and agility of the SBA’s 8(a) program provide the Government with an acquisition option in addition to traditional vendor/contractor procurement processes. Within the SBA 8(a) program, Small Disadvantaged Businesses qualifying for 8(a) status which are owned by an Alaskan Native Corporation (ANC) are entitled to unique privileges and benefits. Under the FAR, ANCs provide Government customers a timely, FAR-compliant alternative to securing solutions through direct, sole-sourced contracts that can be processed quickly, efficiently, and in many cases, within days of requirement identification. The contracts could be negotiated to ensure they meet their program needs while ensuring the Government gets the best value for the agency and taxpayers. Specific advantages, along with their legal authorities, include the following:

An 8(a) company owned and controlled by an ANC may be awarded a direct award 8(a) contract where the anticipated value of the procurement exceeds the applicable competitive threshold if SBA has not accepted the requirement into the 8(a) BD program as a competitive procurement. There is no requirement that a procurement must be completed whenever possible before it can be accepted on a direct award basis for an ANC-owned concern. 13 CFR 124.506(b)

Unlike other 8(a) companies, ANCs provide the government with a virtually unlimited direct award ceiling. SBA may award a direct award 8(a) contract to an ANC with a value of up to $25M for federal agencies ($100M for DoD) without a Justification and Approval (J&A). There is no dollar threshold for a direct award with an approved J&A. 13 CFR 124.506(b)

ANCs may not be challenged by another participant or any other party, either to SBA or any administrative forum as part of a bid or contract protest. 13 CFR 124.517(a)

Sole-Source Information

How to Sole-Source Contract with an Alaska Native Corporation

The process for establishing a direct, sole-source contract with an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) is very easy and has been streamlined with the help of the SBA. An acquisition official working with a government program manager would go through the following steps to establish and secure a direct, sole-source contract with an ANC. This process has been used effectively throughout the federal government to secure solutions in a timely, FAR-compliant manner while also assisting government agencies in meeting their small business contracting goals. Meeting small business goals and using the SBA 8(a) program continue to be Administration policy.

1. requirements identified

Federal agency determines the solution (products, services, or both) required to satisfy the mission needs.

2. decision to sole source

Based on speed-to-market and achieving best value, end-user and acquisition official make decision to establish a sole source contract.

3. sBA worksheet

Acquisition official completes and sends intent to award sole-source letter with description of project and identified 8(a) company to SBA representative.