Reporting on supplier diversity.

When the 8(a) mentor-protege joint venture actually makes sense

The 8(a) mentor-protege program lets a small 8(a) firm joint venture with a large business mentor and bid on contracts the small …

· Mario Bailey

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

8(a) graduation: what happens when your 9-year term ends

Your 8(a) term runs exactly 9 years. On graduation day, sole-source eligibility ends, your set-aside contracts go to transition or re-compete, and …

· Mario Bailey

What happens to your 8(a) contracts if your ownership changes

SBA requires prior approval before any transfer of ownership in an 8(a) firm. Do it without approval and your contracts are at …

· Mario Bailey

Guide · 14 min

SBA 8(a) Certification: The Complete 2026 Guide

The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program gives disadvantaged-owned small businesses nine years of access to sole-source federal contracts up to $5.5 million. …

· Mario Bailey

Food and catering company WOSB federal contracting guide

Woman-owned food service and catering companies can access federal set-aside contracts through the WOSB program. Military dining facilities, federal agency cafeterias, and …

· Mario Bailey

Healthcare company WOSB federal contracting guide

Women-owned healthcare companies have a direct path to federal set-aside contracts under the WOSB program. Here is what the SBA requires and …

· Mario Bailey

Guide · 7 min

Minority Business Loans: 7 Real Options in 2026

There is no federal loan reserved only for minority owners, but several programs are built to reach them. Here are seven real …

· Maya Okonkwo

Guide · 7 min

How to add NAICS codes to your 8(a) profile

Your 8(a) profile has a primary NAICS code and up to several secondary codes. The codes in your profile determine which sole-source …

· Mario Bailey

8(a) annual review: what the SBA actually looks at

Every 8(a) participant must submit an annual certification to SBA by the anniversary of their admission date. Miss it and you risk …

· Mario Bailey

HUBZone recertification: what changes every 3 years

HUBZone certification doesn't expire automatically, but SBA can decertify you at any time if you fall out of compliance. Every 3 years, …

Jul 13, 2026 · Mario Bailey

Software company 8(a) certification guide

Software development is one of the highest-demand service categories in federal contracting. 8(a) certification gives eligible firms access to sole-source and set-aside …

Jul 6, 2026 · Mario Bailey

How to maintain your SDVOSB certification after the initial grant

Getting SDVOSB certified is the hard part. Keeping it requires annual attestations, prompt reporting of ownership changes, and understanding which agency's rules …

Jul 6, 2026 · Mario Bailey

IT consulting firm HUBZone certification guide

HUBZone certification can give an IT consulting firm a 10% price evaluation preference on federal contracts plus access to set-aside awards. The …

Jul 6, 2026 · Mario Bailey

Construction company 8(a) certification: the specific requirements

The 8(a) Business Development Program gives construction firms a direct path to sole-source federal contracts. Here is what the SBA actually requires …

Jul 6, 2026 · Mario Bailey

Article

Article · 5 min

The HUBZone July 1 Cliff: A Field Guide for Firms in Redesignated Areas

Sixty days from today, the SBA's HUBZone redesignated-area transition expires. If your firm's eligibility depends on a 2023-redesignated address, July 1 is …

May 1, 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