The 8(a) Program offers a broad scope 
  of assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged firms, SDB 
  certification strictly pertains to benefits in federal procurement. 
      
  

Firms achieving 8(a) certification automatically qualify for SDB certification.  .Program participation is divided into two stages:  the developmental stage and the transitional stage.  The developmental stage if four years and the transitional stage is five years.  Participants are reviewed annually for compliance with eligibility requirements.

8(a) General Requirements for Certification:

·         Must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual or individuals

·         African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans, and Native Americans are presumed to qualify

·         Other individuals can be admitted into the program if they show through a preponderance of the evidence that they are disadvantaged because of race, ethnicity, gender, physical handicap or residence in an environment isolated from the mainstream of American society

·         Individuals must have a net worth of less than $250,000, excluding the equity of the business and primary residence

·         Must meet applicable size standards for small businesses in their industry

·          2 full years of business operations