We have two packages that provide 8a social disadvantage narrative help. A full-service package and a more cost-effective review service. Both packages are listed below.
Ez8a will send templates to you for you to gain an understanding of the format the SBA likes to see the 8a narrative formatted
and to jumpstart your rough draft. We will then review your draft for accuracy as well as provide feedback, commentary, edits and
suggestions to you along the way. We will then include your feedback from our review and assist in the finalization of your 8a social
disadvantaged narrative.
In the rare occurrence the SBA requests additional information pertaining to your 8a narrative, Ez8a will assist you in answering
these requests.
As you are most likely aware, on July 19, 2023 the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee issued a ruling (Ultima Servs. Corp. v. Dep’t of Ag. (E.D. Tenn.)) affecting the 8a application narrative process for determining eligibility for SBA’s 8(a) Program.
Current 8a participants received additional communication from the SBA detailing that an 8a Socially Disadvantaged Narrative is now required to re-establish eligibility and be able to obtain Sole Source and Set-Aside Contracts. This has impacted all 8a participants and applicants moving forward.
Many 8a firms were able to show their eligibility through a presumption of social disadvantage status without an 8a application narrative. These groups were (Black, Hispanic, Asian Pacific, Subcontinent Asian, Native American presumed groups), other 8(a) firms were admitted to the 8(a) program because the qualifying owner/s established social disadvantage by a preponderance of the evidence (i.e., submitted a narrative as part of the original application). Those that have already established this social disadvantage through a prior 8a narrative will not need to do so again.
Those in which entered the program under the presumption, the 8a Social Disadvantage Narrative is now being required by the SBA as all current participants and applicants must provide this preponderance of evidence to establish that they are at a social disadvantage.
Current 8a participants who had more than one qualifying individual are required to have each disadvantaged individual submit an individual 8a social disadvantage narrative.
8(a) participants will need to establish social disadvantage only once for their program term, unless there are ownership/control or other changes which affect eligibility.
The SBA has made it clear that the current 8(a) firm will no longer be eligible to receive sole source contracts without the determination of social disadvantage status on file. Additionally, the SBA has stated that it could also impact competitive awards if the governing agency determines that they require the letter of confirmation for social disadvantage status. Therefore, it’s imperative that you have your 8a social disadvantage narrative completed at the earliest.
SBA must determine that the discrimination or bias experienced by an individual is chronic, substantial, and has occurred within American society (not within another country). Additionally, the discrimination must have negatively impacted your entry or advancement in the business world. The SBA in the 8a application narrative process requires TWO instances of this discrimination throughout your education, career, and/or time as a business owner. The instances must contain WHEN it occurred, WHERE it occurred, WHO (company name/individual names) that caused it, WHY it was considered an act of discrimination and HOW it impacted your advancement and/or caused an economic impact.
Webinars
Title:
SBA 8(a) Business Development Webinar
Description:
This webinar will go over who is eligible for the 8(a) program, the benefits of the program, as well as some of the secrets we have found that turn ordinary firms into top federal contractors.
Date:
Wednesday February 2nd 2022
Time:
2:00 PM EST
Duration:
45-50 minutes
You can register via this online form or give us a call and we can take down your information and have a link for the webinar emailed to you. Call 859-442-3300 and ask for Heidi
The 8(a) Certification is widely regarded as the most transformative certification a business can possess. Routinely businesses entering the program start with little to no federal sales experience and a few years into the program are selling millions of dollars’ worth. Like every other good deal there is a catch. The SBA has a very rigorous application process that according to the SBA’ historical averages only has a 25% approval rate, firms still know best practices for taking advantage of this program, and the program duration for its participants is only nine years.
This webinar is designed for both individuals that are totally new to hearing about the 8(a) program, but goes into enough detail where someone that has prior knowledge about 8(a) through federal contracting can still learn many of the intricacies of the program. If you have interest in the 8(a) program and would like to bring yourself up to speed this is a recommended webinar for you.
Account Manager
Joined ez8a in 2020 and has been consulting clients and hosting webinars due to her vast knowledge of certification qualifications. Emily currently works with our clients to uncover how to best position their company within the government contracting space, offering guidance and engagement with ez8a. Emily's expertise will help you determine what you qualify for and explain how that can benefit your small business.
