The Journal

Reporting on supplier diversity.

Working coverage of certifications, corporate procurement, federal contracting, financing, and the operators making each work for diverse-owned businesses. Every piece checked against primary sources.

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8a-Program

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Guide

Guide · 8 min

Supplier diversity in defense and aerospace: subcontracting your way to prime contracts

Defense and aerospace is the single largest sector for federally mandated diverse supplier spend. For most diverse firms, the entry point is …

· Mario Bailey

Guide

Guide · 8 min

8(a) vs HUBZone: which federal program is right for your business?

8(a) is a 9-year business development program for socially and economically disadvantaged owners. HUBZone is location-based, has no term limit, and often …

· Mario Bailey

Guide

Guide · 8 min

NAICS 541611 Federal Contracting Guide: How Diverse Businesses Win Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services Contracts

Federal agencies spend over $5 billion annually under NAICS 541611, and a significant share goes to 8(a), WOSB, and HUBZone set-asides. Here …

· Mario Bailey

Guide

Guide · 8 min

Supplier diversity in cybersecurity: opportunities for diverse firms in a high-growth market

The federal government spends over $20 billion per year on cybersecurity, and set-aside vehicles like STARS III and CIO-SP4 reserve a large …

· Mario Bailey

Guide

Guide · 8 min

How to sell to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as a diverse business

The Department of Justice obligates over $4 billion per year across IT, professional services, and facilities — and set-asides for 8(a), SDVOSB, …

· Mario Bailey

Guide

Guide · 8 min

State MBE certification vs federal 8(a): which comes first?

State MBE and federal 8(a) are not competing certifications — they serve entirely different markets. The right pursuit order depends on where …

Jul 6, 2026 · Mario Bailey

Article

Article · 6 min

100 Days Past the 8(a) Audit Deadline: A May 2026 Compliance Status Check

January 19 was the largest enforcement deadline in the 8(a) program's 55-year history. We covered the rule structure when it landed. 102 …

May 1, 2026 · Mario Bailey

Article

Article · 6 min

Reading the FAR Part 19 Overhaul as a Founder, Not a Procurement Officer

The September 26, 2025 FAR Part 19 overhaul has been thoroughly covered for procurement officers. Bid protests, set-aside justification memos, internal compliance …

Jan 20, 2026 · Mario Bailey

Guide

Guide · 12 min

Breaking the Catch-22: How to Win Government Contracts Without Past Performance

Every year, the federal government awards over $183 billion to small businesses—but most new entrepreneurs hit the same wall: "You need past …

Jan 8, 2026 · SupplierDiversity.com

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