If you have spent time researching the 8(a) Business Development Program and its potential benefits for your company, we understand that you likely have many questions. Especially since the 8(a) program has undergone some updates. You may be wondering if the program applies to you, how to apply, and where to start. This blog aims to answer important FAQs, addresses concerns about recent changes, and offers a guide to navigating the program's dynamic landscape.

In recent years, small businesses have seen increased opportunities in government acquisitions, particularly in the areas of cloud and software services. However, while overall participation has grown, the number of small businesses acting as prime contractors in the Federal IT marketplace has been diminishing. The Office of Management and Business (OMB) has responded by launching a plan to allocate over $100 billion in spending to Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs) in the coming years.

The federal marketplace can be a daunting place for General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule contractors, but if they know what tools to use and where to find them, they can be more confident in the success of their contract. GSA provides a range of procurement tools to assist contractors in conducting market research, competitor analysis, and identifying contracting opportunities. These resources are available for free, and they play a crucial role in a contractor's growth.

The General Services Administration (GSA) plays a crucial role in facilitating a significant portion of government spending. It acts as a mediator between government agencies and suppliers to provide products and services ranging from office supplies used at the Department of State, to Information Technology (IT) services at the Department of Labor. This simplifies the acquisition process for government agencies and saves them a lot of administrative work. However, you may be surprised to know GSA does not rely on your tax dollars to stay operational.

We’re all aware that the federal government is one of the largest buyers in the U.S. Contractors looking to tap into the federal market through GSA Schedules are first going to need to conduct market research to see where they fit in, and will need to continue to research even after they are awarded a contract. But how can we track where all the massive spending is going? Which contracts are obtaining the most cash flows? How much money does each state spend in taxpayer dollars?