Is the 8(a) Program Still Relevant In a New Era?

Posted by: David Rinaldo, Chief Operating Officer Mar 25, 2009 0 Comments

Many government program managers and contracting officers are under significant pressure to meet their small business award goals. There is no better vehicle to accomplish this than the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program. Unfortunately, government procurement through the 8(a) program, and the 8(a) program itself, have occasionally come under justifiable scrutiny, due to the actions of a few unethical players.

Should the government continue to participate in the program? Absolutely! The overwhelming majority of 8(a) contractors are hard-working small businesses that provide far less risk and more value to the government than their non-8(a) peers.

8(a) companies must complete a rigorous certification process, and most have staff and leadership that are extremely focused on pleasing customers and building great past performance. Who is better suited to satisfy a demanding government customer: a small company with minimal bureaucracy and an engaged staff, or a Fortune 500 company with multiple levels of management and a staff that is insulated from day-to-day client needs? Who has more incentive to complete the work on time and on budget: the small 8(a) company that is eager for more contract work, or the corporate conglomerate for which a client task order is one of many that is feeding the “machine”? In addition, no one is better suited to quickly adapt to changing requirements in a cost-effective manner than America’s small businesses.

Rock Creek Strategic Marketing is a proud participant in the 8(a) program and a clear example of the benefits of using 8(a) vendors. We offer reduced risk due to hands-on project involvement by the owners, managers, and staff. We offer best value by our ability and desire to do firm-fixed price work, when others tend towards costly overruns on time & materials or cost plus contracts.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of working with an 8(a) vendor is the government’s ability to accomplish its program objectives while simultaneously helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed. As small businesses continue to lead the recovery and generate jobs, large companies continue massive layoffs across the country. We truly believe that the 8(a) program is more relevant now than it has ever been.

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David Rinaldo

Chief Operating Officer

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