If you are thinking that 8A certification is an easy process and does not involve major complications, than you are probably wrong. It is one of the most convoluted processes and often involves a number of misconceptions, which complicates the program even more.
Applicants applying for the SBA 8A contracts include a number of misconceptions. These misconceptions can often lead to rejection of your application. Such misconceptions may include:
-Filling up the SBA 8A electronic form is all that is required
The electronic application is a very small part of the total 8A Contracts. Generally the 8A applications have more than hundreds of pages along with the supporting documents which are submitted with it. The SBA does not acknowledge any of the supporting documents electronically. It only offers the list for the supporting documents but does not disclose what requirements are met by these documents.
-Qualified to be 8A certified as per PTAC, ASBDC and local SBA office
Generally, there are two SBA processing offices, whichreview the 8A applications sent. The final determination is done at the Washington office. The two processing offices have not more than 11 qualified and skilled reviewers who analyze your application minutely and scrutinize the entire 8A application work. Hence, if any one who tells you that you have qualified for the federal program is unaware about the SBA programs procedure.
-Getting 8A certified is an easy process
There are more than 10000 8A certified firms actively working in the US. Out of numerous applications sent to the SBA, only 10000 firms have been sanctioned. Every year, the SBA rejects almost 90% of all the applications sent and returns around 70 % of them.
-Getting 8a certified guarantees government contracts
One of the major misconceptions that prevail among the potential 8A applicants is that getting the certification can guarantee a federal project, however, that is not the case. According to market research, around 50% of all the SBA participants never get a single federal project because they lack the knowledge how to advertise and market their particular set of business to the government. Once you get your firm 8A certified, you will be opened to a number of lucrative opportunities. Hence, it is imperative that you spend adequate time in the federal market and put effort in marketing your business to various prospective clients.
-No aid is needed to organize the 8A application
If you do not understand the rules and regulations of the SBA program, you should not try to synchronize your application by yourself. The SBA 8A application has a number of tripwires and possibilities to reject your request or even return your application. Hence, it is highly recommended to avail the services if a qualified and skilled 8A consultant and get certified successfully.
