Why have you been putting off getting SBA 8a certification? It is NOT that difficult to get certified if you really want to break into government contracting. And you do NOT have to pay someone else to help you fill out the form. If you can read and follow instructions, you can do it. How do I know? I successfully completed my company SBA 8a certification in 2004. Here's the blueprint... now get it done!
Where do you start?
There is an electronic application form at the SBA website. If you take the time to read the four steps to the Electronic Application Process, you will be prepared to complete it in the least amount of time with the least amount of personal pain. I recommend submitting the electronic application form over the mail-in version because you will receive your results back in days, NOT weeks.
Step One: Get registered with CCR
The first step is to get your company registered at the federal Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database The CCR database is a single point of vendor registration and is key to streamlining the procurement process. Note: It might take 24 - 72 hours to get your CCR profile active in the system. Then you can proceed.
Step Two: Register in the SBA General Login System (GLS)
This system supports all services offered by the SBA. Two key pieces of information you will need to know are your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or your Social Security Number. You will also need to register for a Dun & Bradstreet number (DUNS). The DUNS is a requirement for all federal contracts as well as many major corporations. Note: You can register for the FREE service and do not have to sign up for any other monthly fee-based D&B services.
Step Three: Download, sign, get notarized and mail-in Signature Authorization card
This is the only "manual" portion of the process. It becomes the trigger for the SBA to begin screening and reviewing your Electronic application. Be sure you send your Signature Authorization card to the appropriate SBA Program Certification & Eligibility address, based upon the state you are doing business.
Step Four: Begin SBA 8a Application Process via the GLS
Using your new GLS user name / password - enter your information into the application online. Note: You do not have to complete the application in one sitting, fill out as much as you can and then save and come back later. How long will it take to complete the application? The more complex the company structure, the longer it takes to fill out the information. For example:a 100% owned sole-proprietorship owned will not take as long as a multi-owner corporation located in a community property state. Note: My application took about two hours total to complete. You will need your tax returns from the past three years and other documents for reference.
The SBA does offer FAQs and an online training course to get you prepared for the application process. Once you have submitted the application, by law, there is a 90 day response time on getting back to you. My application was reviewed in less than 30 days. So if you submit the application online, you will get a much more timely response.
One other note: Caucasian women have more difficulty in getting SBA 8a certified. One extra support document you may be asked to prepare and submit is a disadvantaged social narrative. This is a paper that documents how overcome social, economic and business factors have influenced your inability to succeed to your maximum capability. Can you write this paper without hiring a company to prepare it for you? YES. Learn how I took my experience and now help hundreds of other women to gain confidence to prepare their own narratives. Read more about the toolkit I prepared at my company website.
Ok, now you know the four steps to the SBA 8a process, what is keeping you from starting your application today?
Karen Miller, President of Design2Train an SBA 8a company has created a Narrative Toolkit to assist small business owners. Get a free report at: http://www.sba8anarrativetoolkit.com
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