Tribal Enterprise Business Guide: 8(a) Business Development ProgramThe 8(a) Business Development Program is designed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses, including tribally owned enterprises. This course provides a description of the program’s purpose, how it works, eligibility requirements, and the application process.— 1 Tribal Enterprise Business Guide: 8(a) Business Development ProgramThis is about tribally owned businesses winning federal contracts. Welcome to “Tribal Enterprise” – a business guide to the 8(a) Business Development Program.— 2 Introduction8(a) Business Development Program is designed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses, including tribally owned businessesDesigned 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 tribally owned enterprises.This guide is designed to inform, educate and engage qualified tribal businesses in the 8(a) program.— 3 Course Contents Tribal Enterprise 1. Tribally Owned Businesses 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 tribally owned businesses, a description of the program’s purpose, how it works, tribal eligibility requirements, the application process, key questions and answers and important resources.In addition many of the –s include highlighted boxes with specific FAR and CFR regulatory references to help users easily access more information about the content in the –s. Also, the course is designed so that you can easily go to, leave or return to any section of the course, at any time.— 4 Tribally Owned Businesses What is a tribally owned business? – any business concern that is at least 51% owned by an Indian tribe – 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 resides.But first, what is a tribally owned business or concern? For purposes in this training module, the terms tribally owned business or tribally owned enterprise are used interchangeably with the term tribally owned concern.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.— 5 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 tribe or the tribal entities that make up the tribe.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 tribal 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.— 6 Framework for Business Development Growth o Assess – What we know o Strategic choices – Identify opportunities o Capabilities – Alignment and delivery o Action – Adapting and learning o Mobilization – Willingness to lead changeAchieving business growth requires a plan. A well thought out plan.As such, a tribe 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.— 7 Structural Options Graphic of business structural options…The 8(a) program is a tool. And, a tribe may have more than one 8(a) tribal enterprise.It is important for a tribe to understand how it can be optimally structured so it can be positioned for business development growth. This — shows one structural option, with two affiliated 8(a) firms. There are other options.At your convenience, review the hyperlinked guides to better understand how a tribe can be positioned for growth.— 8 ReflectionDoes your tribe have a strong foundational base for economic development? Has tribal leadership considered ways the 8(a) program can be used as a business development tool? Is your tribe structurally positioned for optimal business development growth?— 9 8(a) Program & Summary Program— 10 Program PurposeHelp small disadvantaged businesses, including tribally 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 tribally 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.— 11 American Indian 8(a) Perspective8(a) program is a business development tool for American Indian tribesFederal agencies have strong incentives to contract with tribal concernsTribes do have special procurement privileges – an important perspective is that often times proceeds from tribally owned companies are used to benefit the entire tribal membership, rather than individual ownersThe program is a business development tool that offers opportunities for American Indian tribes. Under the 8(a) program, Congress granted tribes with unique rights in the federal procurement process. These rights provide federal agencies with strong incentives to contract with tribal enterprises.Tribes do have special procurement privileges. There are many reasons for this. However, an important perspective is that often times the proceeds from tribally owned companies are used for the benefit of the entire tribal membership, rather than individual owners. Tribes use these proceeds to build, sustain and operate their communities – for the betterment of education, health care, public works and other community sustaining activities.— 12 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 –.— 13 Key Program Objectives“Promote the business development of small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals…”“Promote the competitive viability of such concerns…”“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 tribally owned businesses can benefit from these key program objectives.— 14 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.— 15 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 business.In 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.— 16 ReflectionIs the purpose of the 8(a) program aligned with the goals and objectives of your tribe? Is your tribe and related tribal businesses positioned to take advantage of opportunities available through the 8(a) program?— 17 How the 8(a) Program Works— 18 Driven by Several Key ComponentsSBA’s roleBusiness development assistanceBusiness development supportContract opportunitiesRole of the tribal 8(a) program participantCapitalize on available business development assistance and supportLearn about government buying needsMarket to the governmentSubmit 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.— 19 SBA’s RoleProgram 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) tribal enterprises to become and remain competitive in the economic mainstream.— 20 Business Development AssistanceBusiness counseling and mentoringOnline and traditional trainingSurety bond guaranteesContract marketing guidanceAble to acquire federal government surplus propertyOther management and technical assistanceAiding 8(a) tribal 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; acquire 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.— 21 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.This SBA support is varied and can include: helping 8(a) program clients register in the System for Award Management or SAM — which is a national database of firms seeking to do business with the federal government as well as prime contractors. SBA will also help firms to understand and use government tools to find contract opportunities, assists clients in developing and maintaining a current business plan with a defined procurement strategy, and provides assistance in many other ways. This assistance can be beneficial to a tribal business.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.— 22 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 businesses23% — Overall small business goal5% — Small disadvantaged businesses5% — Women owned small businesses3% — Certified HUBZone firms3% — 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.— 23 Role of 8(a) Tribal 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.— 24 ReflectionCan the 8(a) program be used successfully by your tribe as a business development tool? How can this be accomplished? Importantly, what specific steps should your tribe take to make this happen?— 25 8(a) Program Eligibility for Tribal Enterprises Programeligibility requirements for tribally owned enterprises.— 26 EligibilitySpecial rulesTribal eligibilityBusiness eligibilityEligibility for the 8(a) program is uniquely defined for tribally owned businesses. As such, there are special rules and unique tribal and business eligibility requirements.— 27 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 tribal enterprises regarding both initial 8(a) program eligibility and eligibility to remain in the 8(a) program as a participant.— 28 Tribal EligibilitySocial disadvantageEconomic disadvantageRequired forms and documentsTribal eligibility in the program requires specific evidence of social and economic disadvantage. It also requires specific forms and documents to be submitted at the time of application.— 29 Social DisadvantageAn 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 — as defined in 13 CFR 124.3 — is considered to be socially disadvantaged.Slid 30 Economic Disadvantage Indian tribe must demonstrate to the SBA that the tribe itself is economically disadvantaged – Number of tribal members – Present tribal unemployment rate – Per capita income of tribal members – Percentage of local Indian population below the poverty level – Tribe’s access to capital – Tribal assets – List of wholly or partially owned tribal enterprises or affiliatesRegarding economic disadvantage, 8(a) program eligibility requirements require that the tribal applicant’s tribe, demonstrate to the SBA that it is economically disadvantaged. To do this, SBA will consider a number of factors, including:number of tribal members;present tribal unemployment rate;per capita income of tribal members, excluding judgment awards;percentage of the local Indian population below the poverty level;tribe’s access to capital;tribal assets as disclosed in a current tribal financial statement; andthe aggregate of wholly or partially owned tribal enterprises or affiliates.Importantly, once an Indian tribe establishes that it is economically disadvantaged in connection with the application for one tribally-owned firm, it does not have to reestablish such status in order to have other businesses that it owns, certified for 8(a) program participation, unless specifically requested to do so by the SBA.— 31 Required Forms and Documents Tribal applicant is required to submit all of the same documents generally required by all other 8(a) applicantsOther tribal specific documents required include: – Copy of tribal governing documents – Evidence of tribal recognition for special programs and services – Copies of articles of incorporation and bylaws as filed with the organizing or chartering authority, or similar documents needed to establish and govern a non- corporate legal entity – Documents to show tribe’s economically disadvantaged statusA tribal applicant is required to submit all of the same documents generally required by all other 8(a) applicants.However, a tribally owned business is also required to submit additional tribal specific documentation, including: a copy of the tribal governing documents; evidence of tribal recognition for special U.S. programs and services; copies of articles of incorporation and bylaws as filed with the organizing or chartering authority, or similar documents needed to establish and govern a non-corporate legal entity; and, documents to demonstrate the tribe’s economically disadvantaged status.— 32 Tribal Business EligibilityLegal business entity organized for profitSizeOwnershipControl and managementIndividual eligibility limitationPotential for successBesides tribal 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.— 33 Legal Business Entity Organized for ProfitApplicant must be a separate and distinct legal entity organized by the tribe, federal or state authoritiesGovernance documentation must express sovereign immunity language, or “sue and be sued” clause which designates U.S. federal courts to be among the courts of competent jurisdiction for all matters relating to SBA’s programs, including, but not limited to 8(a) program participation, loans and contract performanceTribal enterprise must be organized for profit and the tribe must possess economic development powers in the tribe’s governing documentsThe tribal 8(a) applicant must be a separate and distinct legal entity organized or chartered by the tribe, federal or state authorities. The tribal firm’s articles of incorporation, partnership agreement or limited liability company articles of organization must contain sovereign immunity waiver language, or a “sue and be sued” clause which designates U.S. federal courts to be among the courts of competent jurisdiction for all matters relating to SBA’s programs.Importantly, the waiver of sovereign immunity language may require special board or tribal government approval, depending on the tribal firm’s structure. If the waiver language, however is not included in the documentation, the firm will be denied admission into the 8(a) program. Also, the tribal enterprise must be organized for profit, and the tribe must possess economic development powers in the tribe’s governing documents.— 34 Size o Tribally owned applicant must qualify as a small business and certify as such to the SBA, pursuant to the provisions in 13 CFR 121 o In determining the small business size standard, the Indian tribe – or wholly owned business of the tribe – will be determined independently without regard to its affiliation with the tribe, any entity of the tribal government or any other business enterprise owned by the tribeBusiness size matters. A tribally 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 size of a small business owned by an Indian tribe, or a wholly owned business entity of the tribe, the firm’s size shall be determined independently without regard to its affiliation with the tribe, any entity of the tribal government, or any other business enterprise owned by the tribe, unless the SBA Administrator determines that one or more such tribally- owned businesses have obtained, or are likely to obtain, a substantial unfair competitive advantage within an industry category.— 35 Ownership o For 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 stock o For non-corporate entities, a tribe must unconditionally own at least 51 percent interest o 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 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 — and noted regulation for greater clarity.— 36 Control and Management o Management and daily business operations of a tribally owned business must be controlled by the tribe o Tribal business may be controlled by the tribe through one or more individuals who possess sufficient management experience of an extent and complexity needed to run the concern – Management may be provided by non-tribal members if SBA determines that such management is required to assist the firms development – Tribe must retain control of all management decisions common to boards of directors – Plan must be in place to demonstrate how tribal members can grow in managerial skillsThe management and daily business operations of a tribally owned business must be controlled by the tribe.However, such control may be exercised through one or more individuals who possess sufficient management experience to run the business. That is, management may be provided by non-tribal members if SBA determines that such management is required to assist the firm’s development. In such cases, the tribe must retain control of all management decisions common to boards of directors, including strategic planning, budget approval, and the employment and compensation of business officers. In addition, a plan must be in place to demonstrate how tribal members can grow in managerial skills.This is an important element in the eligibility and application process. Use the regulatory site noted in the — to gain additional clarity regarding this matter.— 37 Individual Eligibility Limitation o Individual eligibility limitation – there is none o SBA 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 a tribally-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).— 38 Potential for Success A Tribally-owned concern may establish potential for success by demonstrating that: o 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; or o the 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; or o the tribe has made a firm written commitment to support the operations of the applicant concern and it has the financial ability to do so.— 39 Other Eligibility Criteria Tribally 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: – Government has not previously procured and is unlikely to procure the types of products or services offered by the concern – 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 servicesAs with other 8(a) applicants, a tribally 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.— 40 ReflectionDoes your tribe and the tribal business or businesses within the tribe meet the eligibility requirements of the 8(a) program?— 41 Application Process The application process.— 42 Applying to the 8(a) BD Program STEP 1. Verify tribal 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.— 43 Step 1 Verify Tribal Eligibility ComplianceBefore you begin the application process, verify tribal eligibility requirements: o Must be able to demonstrate social disadvantage as a tribal entity o Tribe must be able to show economic disadvantage o Tribal business must meet legal, size, ownership, character, management & control and potential for success standards o Carefully review 13 CFR 124.109(b) and 13 CFR 124.109(c)Not every business enterprise is eligible for 8(a) program certification. Before you begin the application process, make sure you meet the core tribal eligibility requirements. This is step one.— 44 Step 2 Gather What You Need Learn more about… Tribally 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 tribal, 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.— 45 Step 3 Ask Questions o You don’t know what you don’t know… o 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.— 46 Step 4 Register in SAMLearn 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 tribal business.— 47 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.— 48 Step 6 Complete and Submit Application Step 6, complete and submit the 8(a) electronic application.— 49 ReflectionIs your tribal business ready to apply for 8(a) certification? Have you meaningfully considered each of the six 8(a) program application steps?
