NHO/8A/Contracting Vehicle
Advantages of the 8(a) program.
The SBA 8(a) Business Development program is created to help firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Beyond the social impact of the program, contracting with an 8(a) business can be a clear advantage for you. Here’s why: When the requirement is vague, unique, or does not fit into the normal acquisition cycle due to time and cost, the 8(a) program is a smart option.
8(a)s are:
Efficient
Avoid the time and cost associated with the acquisition process
Responsive
Tailor the team to meet program requirements, budget, and timeline
Safe
An award is not appealable, except for challenges to size
Compliant
Counts toward agency set-aside objectives
Here’s how to retain an 8(a) like The Hana Group:
You control the process from the time the customer initiates communication with you through contract issuance. For joint venture awards, SBA Hawai‘i must first approve of the award.
The customer informs you of the requirement and desire to use the Native Hawaiian Organization 8(a) sole source contract vehicle
You send an offer letter to SBA Hawai‘i describing the proposed offer to the 8(a) organization and request SBA Hawai’i’s approval.
SBA Hawai‘i has up to five days to respond to the offer letter. (In our experience, SBA Hawai‘i responds within 48-hours.)
Once SBA Hawai‘i approves, you issue a solicitation for response by the 8(a). Negotiation starts.