Analysis of the Small Business Administration 8(a) business development program

Abstract

The objective of this project is to examine the current Small Business Administration 8(a) Business Development Program related to contracts awarded by the United States government. As a result of this project, the United States government will gain perspective on the utilization and effectiveness of the 8(a) program. The intent of the Small Business Administration 8(a) Business Development Program is to help socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses gain access to federal contracting opportunities. Government Accountability Office and Inspector General official reports suggest that the 8(a) program lacks management oversight and is susceptible to fraud, waste, and abuse. This research provides an analysis of contracts awarded under the 8(a) program by the Department of Defense in the United States from fiscal years 2008 through 2014. This research analyzes whether or not the 8(a) program’s industrial base is expanding and if the program is being abused by private industry. Further analysis of randomly selected contracts is conducted to analyze if the contracts were awarded to certified 8(a) contractors and identify if the program is being utilized as intended.