Why have you been putting off getting SBA 8a certification? It is NOT that difficult to get certified if you genuinely want to break into government contracting. And you do NOT have to remunerate an individual else to aid you fill out the form. If you may read and follow instructions, you may do it. How do I know? I with great success finished my company SBA 8a certification in 2004. Here’s the blueprint… now get it done!
Where do you start?
There is an electronic application form at the SBA website. If you take the time to read the four steps to the Electronic Application Process, you will be prepared to finish it in the least amount of time with the least amount of personal pain. I commend submitting the electronic application form over the mail-in version because you will receive your results back in days, NOT weeks.
Step One: Get registered with CCR
The original step is to get your company registered at the federal Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database The CCR database is a single point of vendor registration and is key to streamlining the procurement process. Note: It might take 24 – 72 hours to get your CCR profile active in the system. Then you may proceed.
Step Two: Register in the SBA General Login System (GLS)
This system supports all services offered by the SBA. Two key pieces of data you will need to recognise are your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or your Social Security Number. You will also need to register for a Dun & Bradstreet number (DUNS). The DUNS is a requirement for all federal contracts as well as a good deal of major corporations. Note: You may register for the FREE service and do not have to sign up for any other regularly every month fee-based D&B services.
Step Three: Download, sign, get notarized and mail-in Signature Authorization card
This is the only “manual” share of the process. It becomes the trigger for the SBA to commence screening and reviewing your Electronic application. Be sure you send your Signature Authorization card to the suitable SBA Program Certification & Eligibility address, based upon the state you are doing business.
Step Four: Begin SBA 8a Application Process by way of the GLS
Using your new GLS user name / password – enter your selective information into the application online. Note: You do not have to finish the application in one sitting, fill out as much as you may and then save and come back later. How long will it take to finish the application? The more complex the company structure, the longer it takes to fill out the information. For example:a 100% owned sole-proprietorship owned will not take as long as a multi-owner corporation located in a community property state. Note: My application took regarding two hours total to complete. You will need your tax returns from the past three years and other documents for reference.
The SBA does offer FAQs and an online training course to get you prepared for the application process. Once you have submitted the application, by law, there is a 90 day response time on getting back to you. My application was reviewed in less than 30 days. So if you submit the application online, you will get a much more timely response.
One other note: Caucasian women have more difficultness in getting SBA 8a certified. One extra aid document you may be asked to prepare and submit is a disadvantaged social narrative. This is a paper that documents how win a victory over social, economic and business components have influenced your disability to succeed to your greatest or most complete or best possible capability. Can you write this paper without hiring a company to prepare it for you? YES. Learn how I took my experience and now support hundreds of other women to gain selfconfidence to prepare their own narratives. Read more when it comes to the toolkit I prepared at my company website.
Ok, now you recognise the four steps to the SBA 8a process, what is keeping you from starting your application today?