Department of Defense, Congress Should Support 8(a) Small Business Program

“The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) should not overhaul the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development program because doing so would be a devastating blow to small firms. For decades, the 8(a) program has provided federal contracting and training opportunities for small businesses that are considered socially and economically disadvantaged. It has been one of the most effective programs at leveling the playing field and creating vital pathways to federal contracts for small businesses that have consistently faced systemic barriers to entry into the federal procurement space. Given that a substantial volume of contracts awarded through the 8(a) program go toward fulfilling DOD needs, any changes made by DOD to the program would be particularly impactful.

It’s notable that small business owners from a range of backgrounds widely support programs like 8(a). In fact, Small Business Majority’s research found that 79% of small business owners are supportive of government programs that provide assistance to targeted demographic groups and 73% believe such programs should continue. We urge policymakers to protect 8(a) and to find ways to enhance it because it has strong, proven value to America’s small firms.”