8(a) Certification Vs. Other Small Business Set-Aside Programs: A Competitive Analysis
Small businesses play a vital role in today’s economy, contributing to job creation, innovation and overall economic growth. To support their development and participation in government contracting, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) has implemented several programs. These programs may include the 8(a) Business Development Program and various other small business set-aside programs. In this article, we will conduct a comparative analysis of the 8(a) certification program and other small business set-aside programs to understand their similarities, differences and benefits. Small Business Set-Aside Programs Overview The U.S. federal government has set-aside programs to assist small businesses in winning and securing government contracts. These set-aside programs offer significant advantages to small businesses and provide a level playing field against larger and established businesses. Some of the most popular small business set-aside programs include: 8(a) Business D