ANC Business Guide: 8(a) Business Development ProgramThe 8(a) Business Development Program is designed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses, including Alaska Native Corporations (ANC) owned businesses. This course provides a description of the program’s purpose, how it works, eligibility requirements, and the application process.Introduction o 8(a) Business Development Program is designed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses, including ANC owned businesses o Designed to inform, educate and engage qualified businesses in the 8(a) programThe 8(a) program is a business development program designed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses, including ANC owned enterprises. This guide is designed to inform, educate and engage qualified ANC owned businesses in the 8(a) program.Course Contents ANC Business Guide 1. Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) 2. 8(a) Program Purpose & Summary 3. How the Program Works 4. Eligibility Requirements for Tribal Enterprises 5. Application Process 6. Key Questions & Answers 7. Resources and AssistanceThe training module provides an overview of the 8(a) program, including a discussion about ANC owned businesses, a description of the program’s purpose, how it works, eligibility requirements, the application process, key questions and answers and important resources.In addition many of the slides include highlighted boxes with specific FAR and CFR regulatory references to help users easily access more information about the content in the slides. Also, the course is designed so that you can easily go to, leave or return to any section of the course, at any time.Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) What is an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC)? – ANC means any Regional Corporation, Village Corporation, Urban Corporation or Group Corporation organized under the laws of the State of Alaska in accordance with the Alaska Native Claims Act, as amended by 43 U.S.C 1601, et seq. – Indian tribe means any Indian tribe, band, nation or other organized group or community of Indians, including any ANC, which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians or is recognized as such by the State in which the tribe, band, nation or community residesBut first, what is an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC)? ANC means any Regional Corporation, Village Corporation, Urban Corporation or Group Corporation organized under the laws of the State of Alaska in accordance with the Alaska Native Claims Act, as amended by 43 U.S.C 1601.In addition and as defined in federal regulations, a tribally owned business (concern) means any business (concern) that is at least 51% owned by an Indian tribe. An Indian tribe is any Indian tribe, band, nation or other organized group or community of Indians, including any ANC, which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians or is recognized as such by the State in which the tribe, band, nation or community resides.Business Development GrowthBusiness growth graphic…The 8(a) program is a tool, a business development tool that may fit within the economic development vision of the ANC or the business entities that make up the ANC.With that said, successful business development within a tribe may be enhanced with a well- defined economic development framework and a strong foundational base of capabilities, strategies and supporting policies.At the base sits nation building. A strong, effective, self-driven nation serves as the foundation to support all productive activity. Resting above it, is economic development. In this level, a nation builds the capacity to identify, select and manage the community’s endowment of resources and talent that help achieve the community’s vision.At the top is business development growth. Here ANC entities make critical decisions on starting and growing their businesses. The 8(a) program is but one tool that may help support business development growth. Framework for Business Development Growth Assess -What we know Strategic choices – Identify opportunities Capabilities – Alignment and delivery Action – Adapting and learning Mobilization – Willingness to lead changeAchieving business growth requires a plan. A well thought out plan.As such, a tribal entity or ANC should have a good understanding of where it is today, where it has been and where it wants to go. Five steps can be applied to build a planning framework.First, gather what you know and assess your current circumstances. Second, identify opportunities and make strategic choices. Applying to the 8(a) program, for instance, may be one of those choices.Third, understand your tribal capabilities and align skills with what your tribe can successfully deliver. Fourth, identify and manage actions and lastly, but most importantly, mobilize change.Structural OptionsThe 8(a) program is a business development tool, and an ANC may have more than one related 8(a) business.It is important for an ANC to understand how it can be optimally structured so it can be positioned for business development growth. This slide shows one structural option, with two related 8(a) firms and one non-8(a) business, organized through a holding company owned by the ANC. There are other options.ReflectionDoes your Alaska Native Corporation have a strong foundational base for economic development? Has ANC leadership considered ways the 8(a) program can be used as a business development tool? Is your ANC structurally positioned for optimal business development growth?8(a) Program & SummaryProgram PurposeHelp small disadvantaged businesses, including ANC owned businesses compete in the marketplaceProvide business development supportPrepare qualifying entities for procurement and other business opportunitiesThe 8(a) Program — named for Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act – is designed to assist small disadvantaged businesses, including ANC owned businesses to compete in the marketplace. It is also designed to assist such entities in gaining access to federal and private procurement markets.The primary focus of the program is to provide business development support, such as mentoring, procurement assistance, business counseling, training, financial assistance, surety bonding and other management and technical assistance to qualified firms. The ultimate objective, however, is to prepare small disadvantaged firms for procurement and other business opportunities.Through the award of sole source and set-aside contracts, the 8(a) program provides market access and growth for qualified tribal enterprises.Alaska Native Corporation 8(a) Perspective o 8(a) program is a business development tool for ANCs o Federal agencies have strong incentives to contract with tribal concerns and ANC owned businesses o Tribes do have special procurement privileges – an important perspective is that often times proceeds from tribally owned companies are used to benefit the entire ANC membership, rather than individual ownersThe program is a business development tool that offers opportunities for small businesses owned by tribes, Alaska Native Corporations and other qualifying entities.Under the 8(a) program, Congress granted such entities with unique rights in the federal procurement process. These rights provide federal agencies with strong incentives to contract with businesses owned by ANCs.Tribes and ANCs do have special procurement privileges. There are many reasons for this. However, an important perspective is that often times the proceeds from tribally or ANC owned companies are used for the benefit of the entire tribal membership, rather than individual owners. Tribes and ANCs use these proceeds to build, sustain and operate their communities – for the betterment of education, health care, public works and other community sustaining activities.Regulatory Guidance The 8(a) Business Development Program: o Established by: – Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act of 1953 o Governed by: – 13 CFR 124.100-124.704 (Subpart A) – FAR Part 19.800-19.812 o Specific References to Tribally Owned Businesses: – 13 CFR 124.3 — Definitions – 13 CFR 124.103 — Who is socially disadvantaged? – 13 CFR 124.105-106 — Eligibility – 13 CFR 124.109 — Applying to the 8(a) program – 13 CFR 124.112 — Business criteria to remain eligibleThe 8(a) program was established by Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act. It is primarily governed by 13 CFR 124 Subpart A and FAR Parts 19.8 – 19.812. Specific references to tribally owned businesses are also noted in the slide.Key Program Objectives o “Promote the business development of small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals…” o “Promote the competitive viability of such concerns…” o “Clarify and expand the program for procurement by the United States…”As articulated in statute and regulations, the key objectives of the 8(a) program are to promote business development of small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; to promote the competitive viability of such concerns; and to use the tools of the program to help qualified small disadvantaged firms benefit from federal procurement opportunities.Qualifying ANC owned businesses can benefit from these key program objectives.Term of ParticipationMaximum 9 year participation in the program, beginning from the date of SBA approvalFirst 4 years are considered the developmental stageLast 5 years are considered the transitional stageContinuation in the program is dependent on:Remaining eligible as a socially and economically disadvantaged firm (includes all applicable requirements)Staying in compliance with the 8(a) BD participation agreementParticipation in the 8(a) program is limited to 9 years, beginning from the date a firm is approved by the SBA as a certified 8(a) Business Development firm.The first four years in the program are considered the developmental stage. The last five years in the program are considered the transitional stage.Continuation in the program, in both the developmental and transitional stages, is dependent on the firm’s continuing eligibility as a socially and economically disadvantaged – owned and operated – firm and that the firm continues to be in compliance with the 8(a) business development agreement.Summary Requirements and GoalsOverall goal for 8(a) firms is to graduate from the program and thrive in a competitive business environmentRequirements:Maintain a balance between commercial and government businessSBA district offices monitor and measure the progress of participating firmsAnnual reviewBusiness planningSystematic evaluationsThe 8(a) program is a business development program. As such, the overall goal for 8(a) firms is to graduate from the program and go-on to thrive in a competitive business environment. There are several requirements in place to help firms achieve this goal.Firms must maintain a balance between their commercial and government businessIn addition, SBA district offices monitor and measure the progress of participating 8(a) firms. It does this through annual reviews, business planning collaboration and systematic evaluations.ReflectionIs the purpose of the 8(a) program aligned with the goals and objectives of your Alaska Native Corporation? Is your ANC and related ANC businesses positioned to take advantage of opportunities available through the 8(a) program?How the 8(a) Program WorksDriven by Several Key Components SBA’s role – Business development assistance – Business development support – Contract opportunities Role of the tribal 8(a) program participant – Capitalize on available business development assistance and support – Learn about government buying needs – Market to the government – Submit information annually to the SBA to prove eligibilityThe program is driven by several key components. SBA plays a pivotal role, but the core of the program is focused on business development assistance, business development support, finding contract opportunities and marketing.The most important role, however, is played by 8(a) firms themselves. Each of these components is explained in the following sections.SBA’s Role Program policy guidanceReview and certify eligible clientsAssign SBA personnel, Business Opportunity Specialists, to 8(a) participating firmsProvide business development assistanceHelp identify contract opportunities for 8(a) participating entitiesReview progress of 8(a) certified businesses and tribal concernsAs the administrator of the program, SBA provides program policy guidance, reviews and certifies eligible clients, assigns SBA personnel — Business Opportunity Specialists — to approved 8(a) entities, provides business development assistance, helps in identifying potential contract opportunities and reviews the progress of participating 8(a) concerns.SBA’s role is to build a strong resource-rich program — that helps 8(a) certified, ANC owned businesses to become and remain competitive in the economic mainstream.Business Development Assistance o Business counseling and mentoring o Online and traditional training o Surety bond guarantees o Contract marketing guidance o Acquire federal government surplus property o Other management and technical assistanceAiding 8(a) certified, ANC owned enterprises with business development assistance is core to the program. This assistance takes many forms, but includes, business counseling and mentoring; online and traditional training; surety bond guarantees; contract marketing guidance; acquiring federal government surplus property; and, other forms of management and technical assistance.Competitive strength comes from knowledge, financial support and technical assistance – all of which can be gained through SBA’s business development initiatives.Business Development SupportHelping firms:register in the System for Award Management (SAM)find contract opportunitiesmaintain a current business plan with a procurement strategyand other supportWorking with agencies and prime contractors to direct contracts to small firmsAssigning Business Opportunity Specialists(BOS)s to work individually with participating 8(a) firmsProviding management, technical and financial assistance is one aspect of the program. Another key dimension is providing business development support to 8(a) clients. Importantly, SBA also works with federal agencies and prime contractors —- encouraging them to set aside, breakout or otherwise make contracts available to 8(a) and other small firms. In other words, SBA markets the technical capabilities of small businesses to federal buying entities.In addition, each 8(a) firm is assigned a Business Opportunity Specialist by the SBA. The assigned specialist helps guide the 8(a) business during its tenure in the program.Contract OpportunitiesSBA staff and Procurement Center Representatives (PCRs) work closely with government and private organizations to identify procurement opportunities for small firmsGovernment-wide procurement goals that benefit small businesses– 23% — Overall small business goal – 5% — Small disadvantaged businesses – 5% — Women owned small businesses – 3% — Certified HUBZone firms – 3% — Service-disabled veteran-owned small businessesThe federal government buys in excess of $600 billion dollars in goods and services each year. Government-wide procurement goals help define another aspect of the 8(a) program. Such goals establish procurement targets for agencies that benefit small disadvantaged businesses and other small firms.SBA personnel, specifically Procurement Center Representatives, work closely with government and private organizations to identify procurement opportunities for small businesses and to help target specific acquisitions for 8(a) participating firms.In addition, government policy and SBA staff encourage federal agencies to meet or exceed annual small business procurement goals. The current government-wide goal for prime and subcontracts to small disadvantaged businesses is 5%. Overall, however, the government-wide small business goal for all prime contracts is 23%.Other government-wide procurement goals include: 5 percent of prime and subcontracts for women-owned small businesses; 3 percent of prime and subcontracts for Hubzone businesses and 3 percent of prime and subcontracts for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.Role of 8(a) ANC Owned BusinessesSBA opens the door….8(a) client firms must be competitive and market themselves competitivelySuccessful 8(a)tribal firms capitalize on available business development resources, educate themselves on government buying needs, and market themselves based on skills and ability to meet such needsFinally, in describing how the program works, the most important role is played by the 8(a) firms, themselves.SBA may be able to open some doors, but it is up to the tribal 8(a) firms in the program to be competitive and to market themselves effectively.It’s all about preparation and self-marketing. Successful 8(a) firms capitalize on available business development resources, educate themselves on government and corporate buying needs, and market themselves based on their skills and ability to support the procurement needs of multiple organizations.ReflectionCan the 8(a) program be used successfully by your Alaska Native Corporation as a business development tool? How can this be accomplished? Importantly, what specific steps should your ANC take to make this happen?8(a) Program Eligibility for ANC Owned BusinessesProgram eligibility requirements for ANC owned businesses.EligibilitySpecial rulesTribal / ANC eligibilityBusiness eligibilityEligibility for the 8(a) program is uniquely defined for tribal and ANC owned businesses. As such, there are special rules and unique tribal and business eligibility requirements.Special Rules Special rules – Initial 8(a) eligibility — 13 CFR 124.109 – Remaining in the 8(a) program as a participant — 13 CFR 124.112Special rules apply to ANC enterprises regarding both initial 8(a) program eligibility and eligibility to remain in the 8(a) program as a participant.Tribal – ANC EligibilitySocial disadvantageEconomic disadvantageANC owned businesses, with regard to 8(a) program eligibility, are subject to the same conditions that apply to tribally owned concerns, with some exceptions. The key exceptions deal with proving economic disadvantage.Social Disadvantage An Indian tribe as defined in 13 CFR 124.3 is considered to be socially disadvantaged “An Indian tribe means any Indian tribe, band nation or other organized group or community of Indians, including any ANC, which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the U.S. to Indians because of their status as Indians, or is recognized as such by the state in which the tribe, band, nation, group or community resides”Regarding social disadvantage and for the purposes of the 8(a) program, an Indian tribe or ANC — as defined in 13 CFR 124.3 — is considered to be socially disadvantaged.Economic DisadvantageAlaska natives and descendents of natives must own a majority of both total equity of the ANC and the total voting powers to elect directors of the ANC through their holdings of settlement common stockSettlement common stock means stock of an ANC issued pursuant to U.S.C. 1606(g)(1)ANC that meets these requirements is deemed economically disadvantagedRegarding economic disadvantage, such status is demonstrated when Alaska natives and descendents of natives own a majority of both total equity of the ANC and the total voting powers to elect directors of the ANC through their holdings of settlement common stock. An ANC that meets these requirements is deemed economically disadvantaged.Required Forms and DocumentsANC applicant is required to submit all of the same documents generally required by all other 8(a) applicantsOther ANC specific documents required include:Articles of incorporation, including amendmentsBylaws and amendmentsList of companies in which the ANC has ownershipAn ANC applicant is required to submit all of the same documents generally required by all other 8(a) applicants.However, an ANC owned business is also required to submit additional documentation, including: articles of incorporation, with any amendments; bylaws and amendments; and, a list of all companies in which the ANC has ownership.When you are ready, review the hyperlinked ANC checklist for greater clarity regarding required documentation.ANC Business EligibilityLegal business entity organized for profitSizeOwnershipControl and managementIndividual eligibility limitationPotential for success Besides tribal and corporate 8(A) eligibility requirements, there are business eligibility requirements for the 8(a) program that must be complied with as well. These requirements focus on the legal structure of the tribal business, the size of the concern, ownership rights, control and management of the enterprise, individual eligibility limitation and the potential for success of the tribal enterprise.Legal Business Entity Organized for ProfitAlaska Native Corporation can be either for profit or non-profitAffiliated small business owned by the ANC must operate as a “for profit” to be eligible for the 8(a) programFirm will be considered owned and controlled by the ANC when both the majority of stock or other ownership interest and total voting power are held by the ANC and holders of the settlement common stockAn Alaska Native Corporation can be either for profit or non-profit.However, the affiliated small business owned by the ANC must operate as a “for profit” business to be eligible for the 8(a) program. The business will be considered owned and controlled by the ANC when both the majority of stock or other ownership interest and total voting power are held by the ANC and holders of the settlement common stock.SizeANC owned applicant must qualify as a small business and certify as such to the SBA, pursuant to the provisions in 13 CFR 121In determining the small business size standard, the ANC owned business will be determined independently without regard to its affiliation with the Alaska Native Corporation, any entity of the ANC governing body or any other business enterprise owned by the ANCBusiness size matters. An ANC owned applicant must qualify as a small business concern as defined for purposes in 13 CFR 121. The particular size standard to be applied is based on the primary industry classification or NAICS code of the applicant concern.Also, in determining the small business size standard, the ANC owned business will be determined independently without regard to its affiliation with the Alaska Native Corporation, any entity of the ANC governing body, or any other business enterprise owned by the ANC, unless the SBA Administrator determines that one or more such ANC owned businesses have obtained, or are likely to obtain, a substantial unfair competitive advantage within an industry category.OwnershipFor corporate entities, a tribe must unconditionally own at least 51 percent of the voting stock and at least 51 percent of the aggregate of all classes of stockFor non-corporate entities, a tribe must unconditionally own at least 51 percent interestTribe may not own 51% or more of another firm which, either at the time of application or within the previous two years, has been operating in the 8(a) program under the same primary NAICS code as the applicantWith regards to ownership, a tribe must unconditionally own at least 51 percent of the ownership or stock of the business concern.A tribe may not own 51% or more of another firm which, either at the time of application or within the previous two years, has been operating in the 8(a) program under the same primary NAICS code as the applicant. However, a tribe may own a participant or other applicant that conducts or will conduct secondary business in the 8(a) program under the NAICS code which is the primary NAICS code of the applicant business.In addition, once an applicant is admitted to the 8(a) program, it may not receive an 8(a) sole source contract that is a follow-on contract to an 8(a) contract that was performed immediately previously by another participant owned by the same tribe. Regarding ownership, please review the slide and noted regulation for greater clarity.Control and ManagementManagement and daily business operations of an ANC owned business must be controlled by Alaska nativesAlaska Native Claims Settlement Act stipulates that a business which is majority owned by an ANC is deemed to be both owned and controlled by Alaska nativesIndividuals responsible for the control and management of an ANC business do not need to establish social and economic disadvantage statusIndividuals responsible for the management and daily operations of the business may not manage more than two 8(a) program participants [Small Business Act 15 U.S.C.§636(j)(11)(B)(iii)(ll)]The management and daily business operations of an ANC owned business must be controlled by Alaska natives. Such control may be exercised through one or more individuals who possess sufficient management experience to run the business.Importantly, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act stipulates that a business which is majority owned by an ANC is deemed to be both owned and controlled by Alaska natives and an economically disadvantaged business. Therefore, an individual responsible for the control and management of an ANC business does not need to establish social and economic disadvantage status.In addition, individuals responsible for the management and daily operations of the business may not manage more than two 8(a) program participants.Use the regulatory site noted in the slide to gain additional clarity regarding control and management.Individual Eligibility LimitationIndividual eligibility limitation – there is noneSBA does not deem an individual involved in the management or daily business operations of a tribally owned business to have used his or her individual eligibility within the meaning of “one-time eligibility”There is no individual eligibility limitation. That is, SBA does not deem an individual involved in the management or daily business operations of an ANC-owned business to have used his or her individual eligibility within the meaning of “one-time eligibility,” as described in 13 CFR 124.108(b).Potential for Success ANC applicant may establish potential for success by demonstrating that:It has been in business for at least two years, as evidenced by income tax returns for each of the two previous tax years ; orIndividual or individuals who will manage and control the daily business operations of the firm have substantial technical and management experience, the applicant has a record of successful performance on contracts from governmental or nongovernmental sources in its primary industry category, and the applicant has adequate capital to sustain its operations and carry out its business plan as an 8(a) participant; orANC has made a firm written commitment to support the operations of the applicant concern and it has the financial ability to do soAn ANC owned business applicant may establish potential for success by demonstrating that:it has been in business for at least two years, as evidenced by income tax returns for each of the two previous tax years showing operating revenues in the primary industry in which the applicant is seeking 8(a) certification; orthe individual or individuals who will manage and control the daily business operations of the firm have substantial technical and management experience, the applicant has a record of successful performance on contracts from governmental or nongovernmental sources in its primary industry category, and the applicant has adequate capital to sustain its operations and carry out its business plan as a participant; orthe ANC has made a firm written commitment to support the operations of the applicant business and it has the financial ability to do so.Other Eligibility Criteria ANC owned business may not be denied admission into the program due solely to a determination that specific contract opportunities are unavailable to assist the development of the applicant firm, unless:Government has not previously procured and is unlikely to procure the types of products or services offered by the concernPurchase of such products or services by the government will not be in quantities sufficient to support the developmental needs of the applicant and other program participants providing the same or similar items or servicesAs with other 8(a) applicants, an ANC owned applicant may not be denied admission into the program due solely to a determination that specific contract opportunities are unavailable to assist the development of the applicant firm, unless: the government has not previously procured and is unlikely to procure the types of products or services offered by the concern; or the purchase of such products or services by the government will not be in quantities sufficient to support the developmental needs of the applicant and other program participants providing the same or similar items or services.ReflectionDoes your Alaska Native Corporation and the affiliated business or businesses within the ANC meet the eligibility requirements of the 8(a) program?Application ProcessThe application process.Applying to the 8(a) BD Program STEP 1. Verify ANC eligibility compliance STEP 2. Gather what you need (supporting documentation) STEP 3. Ask questions STEP 4. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM) STEP 5. Register in SBA’s General Login System (GLS) STEP 6. Complete and submit the online 8(a) program applicationIf you feel you are qualified and only when you are ready to apply – should you apply for 8(a) program certification.The application process is not difficult. However, like any important application process it does require solid preparation, meaningful thought and a certain level of due diligence. It makes sense to do it right, the first time. No business wants to waste time and resources going through the motions and then not realizing what is expected.So, we recommend that six steps be followed in the application process. Each of these steps is discussed in the following.Step 1 Verify ANC Eligibility Compliance Before you begin the application process, verify ANC eligibility requirements:Must be able to demonstrate social and economic disadvantage by showing majority equity in an ANC owned by Alaska natives and descendantsANC owned business must meet legal, size, ownership, character, management & control and potential for success standardsReview 13 CFR 124.109(a)-(c) Not every business enterprise is eligible for 8(a) program certification. Before you begin the application process, make sure you meet the core ANC eligibility requirements. This is step one. Step 2 Gather What You Need Learn more about… Alaska Owned Business Checklist Sample 8(a) Program ApplicationThe 8(a) program is statutorily authorized and specific eligibility requirements are strictly adhered-to and monitored by the SBA.As you prepare to apply for 8(a) program certification, you will be asked to provide, identify, demonstrate and validate much information. Therefore, it’s important to assemble key ANC, business, governance, ownership, tax and other pertinent information to have readily available during the application process and BEFORE you attempt to complete the electronic 8(a) program application. This is step two.Step 3 Ask QuestionsYou don’t know what you don’t know…Review eligibility requirements, checklist, blank 8(a) program application, documentation you gathered and then — ASK QUESTIONSAs mentioned earlier, no business wants to waste time and resources going through the motions and then not getting what is expected. That is why step three is critical.You don’t know what you don’t know. Make a point of becoming informed. Review eligibility requirements, the checklist, blank 8(a) application, documentation you gathered, and then, importantly, ask questions of SBA district office staff and others, experienced and qualified in the 8(a) program.Step 4 Register in SAM Learn more about… System for Award Management (SAM)Step four, register in the System for Award Management. To do business with the federal government and to be certified under the 8(a) program, you must register in the System for Award Management or SAM, which is a database and government- wide single point of vendor registration. Within the SAM system, you must also complete the Small Business Supplemental Page. Use the hyperlink to learn more about the SAM system and to register your ANC owned business.Step 5 Access and Register in GLSStep five, access and register in the General Login System.To apply for 8(a) certification, you must register for an account in SBA’s General Log-in System, more commonly referred to as GLS. The GLS system provides a single log-in point for all SBA services. This single-entry point streamlines and simplifies service delivery to our clients.To access the 8(a) program electronic application, you will first have to login to SBA’s GLS system. Step 6 Complete and Submit Application Step 6, complete and submit the 8(a) electronic application.ReflectionIs your ANC owned business ready to apply for 8(a) certification? Have you meaningfully considered each of the six 8(a) program application steps?Key Questions and AnswersFAQs Learn more… 13 CFR 124 Alaska Native Corporation – FAQs 8(a) Program Certification – FAQs Acquire Surplus Property – FAQsSometimes the best approach to learn about a program is to review frequently asked questions and answers. Several good sources for such information include: 13 CFR 124 — which is a comprehensive review of the 8(a) program and developed in a question and answer format; Alaska Native Corporation FAQs; 8(a) program certification FAQs; and, FAQs about acquiring surplus property.ReflectionKnowledge is power. Does your Alaska Native Corporation know enough about the 8(a) program to consider using it as a business development tool for the ANC? Who are the other members of your ANC who could benefit from reviewing this training module about the 8(a) program?Resources and ToolsFederal Acquisition Regulations https://www.acquisition.gov/farAcquisition Central https://www.acquisition.gov/FAR Part 19 – Small Business Programs http://www.acquisition.gov/farSystem for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov Numerous resources are available to assist tribal enterprises in learning more about and participating in the 8(a) Business Development Program.Resources and Tools o Federal Business Opportunities o http://www.fbo.gov o SBA-Government Contracting o http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/gc/index.html o Code of Federal Regulations (13CFR) (48 CFR) o http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html o Learn more about: – SBA Size Standards – http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation- structure/contracting/contracting-officials/eligibility-size-standards – 8(a) Business Development Program – http://www.sba.gov/content/8a-business- development-0 – WOSB Program – http://www.sba.gov/content/contracting-opportunities-women- owned-small-businesses – HUB Zone Program – http://www.sba.gov/content/hubzone-0 o Local (client) resources: – SBA district office – http://www.sba.gov/localresources/index.html – Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) – http://www.aptac- us.org/new/Govt_Contracting/find.php – Government Contracting Classroom (free online courses) – http://www.sba.gov/gcclassroom – SCORE chapter – http://www.score.org – Small Business Development Center – http://www.asbdc-us.org/ o SBA/SBDC Program Office – http://www.sba.gov/content/small-business- development-centers-sbdcsUse these resources to become better informed and improve your chances of being a successful tribal participant in the 8(a) program.Find a Mentor SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program offers significant benefits to tribal 8(a) firms – Technical and management assistance – Prime contracting – Financial assistance – Qualification for other SBA programsAnd finally, a very helpful resource program for tribal 8(a) firms is SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program.This relationship building resource-initiative is designed to enhance the capability of ANC owned businesses and other 8(a) participants to compete more successfully for federal contracts. The program encourages 8(a) firms to partner with experienced contracting firms, serving as mentors. Under the program, 8(a) firms can gain significant benefits, including: technical and management assistance; prime contracting support; financial assistance in the form of equity or loans; and, qualification for other SBA programs.ReflectionHow can businesses within your Alaska Native Corporation use the Mentor Protégé Program to benefit the ANC’s overall goals for business growth? What else should your ANC do to learn more about the 8(a) program and how the program can be used to benefit your ANC?
