8(a)-certified construction firms win federal building work primarily through sole-source awards, which a contracting officer can make without competition up to $5.5 million, and through 8(a) competitive set-asides above that threshold. The program is a nine-year SBA path for firms at least 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged citizens.
8(a)-certified construction firms win federal building work mainly through sole-source awards a contracting officer can make without competition up to $5.5 million, and through 8(a) competitive set-asides above that threshold. The program is a one-time, nine-year SBA path for firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged citizens.
8(a)-certified construction firms win federal building work primarily through sole-source awards, which a contracting officer can make without competition up to $5.5 million, and through 8(a) competitive set-asides above that threshold. The program is a nine-year SBA path for firms at least 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged citizens.
This AIGovBid guide covers trades & construction for small business government contractors and explains the next steps contractors should take.
An 8(a)-certified construction firm wins federal building work mainly through the program's sole-source and set-aside authority. A contracting officer can award projects directly to one 8(a) firm without competition up to the competitive threshold, and reserve larger projects for competition among 8(a) participants only.
Yes. Under FAR 19.805-1, an 8(a) construction requirement can be awarded sole-source, without competition, when its anticipated value including options does not exceed $5.5 million for non-manufacturing NAICS codes. The firm must be found responsible and the price fair and reasonable.
Under FAR 19.805-1, effective March 2026, the 8(a) competitive threshold is $5.5 million for most acquisitions, including construction, and $8.5 million for manufacturing. At or below that figure a requirement can be sole-sourced; above it, it must be competed among eligible 8(a) firms.
On a general construction contract, an 8(a) prime may not subcontract more than 85 percent of the amount paid by the government to firms that are not similarly situated, per 13 CFR 125.6. In practice it must self-perform at least 15 percent of the cost with its own forces.
The 8(a) Business Development Program is a one-time, nine-year term under 13 CFR 124. It is divided into a four-year developmental stage and a five-year transition stage, and a firm can participate only once; it cannot reapply after graduating or being terminated.
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