The government is consistently making changes to improve programs available for General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule contractors, especially alterations that positively impact small business owners. If you’re a small business, you may be familiar with the 8(a) Program Business Development Program. This program helps socially and economically disadvantaged companies, such as woman-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and disability-owned small businesses. This 8(a) Program is designed to provide additional support by offering training, counseling, and access to government contracts. Additionally, it gives small businesses a fair chance to compete against large corporations.
Recently, GSA and the Small Business Administration (SBA) signed a revised 8(a) Program Partnership Agreement (PA) which will allow these agencies to make contracting improvements to aid 8(a) companies in the federal marketplace. Now, GSA is working on implementing the MAS 8(a) Pool Program created by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The implementation of the 8(a) Pool is intended to widen opportunities for small businesses and make it easier for government purchasers to access 8(a) company solutions. In this blog, we’ll further explain the 8(a) Pool, how to be eligible, requirements, and the process for entering the program.
What is the MAS 8(a) Pool?
Before getting into the requirements of the MAS 8(a) Pool Program, let’s first explain what it is and how it may benefit your company. The MAS 8(a) Pool consists of new and existing MAS 8(a) contractors who are current participants in the 8(a) Business Development Program. Again, this pool was created to significantly increase opportunities for 8(a) companies. Access to a large number of 8(a) contractors, increased ordering flexibility under the MAS program, including sole source awards, and streamlined acquisition processes are a few of the appealing advantages for contractors and government buyers.
What are the Eligibility and Requirements of the MAS 8(a) Pool?
As mentioned previously, to qualify for the MAS 8(a) Pool, you must be a member of the MAS 8(a) Business Development Program. Once accepted by SBA and GSA into the pool, contractors will be eligible for competitive and sole source 8(a) set-asides under their GSA Schedule. Listed below are additional requirements for 8(a) Pool members:
- Again, active participation in the 8(a) program is crucial
- Must identify as a disadvantaged small business as defined by the SBA
- Maintain 8(a) compliance by checking out the 8(a) annual review checklist
- Your company must meet the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) small business size standards
- Small businesses are only eligible for one 9-year period and cannot reapply for the 8(a) Program if previously enrolled
- For competitive set-aside awards, 8(a) Pool contractors will remain eligible for up to 5 years from the date of award or until representation in accordance with FAR 19.301-2(b)(whichever is first), even after the contractor has left the 8(a) Program.
How to Enter the MAS 8(a) Pool
What is the Process to Enter for Existing MAS Contractors?
For existing MAS 8(a) contractors who are active 8(a) Program participants, the FAS (Federal Acquisition Service) has offered those contracts for acceptance into the 8(a) Pool. Upon acceptance by SBA, a mass modification was issued to all existing 8(a) contractors. The mass modification was issued in late July to 770 existing MAS 8(a) contractors. If you’re an eligible contractor, you must accept the modification in eMod to be placed into the 8(a) pool and to be eligible for 8(a) awards.
What is the Process to Enter for New MAS Contractors?
For new 8(a) offers, 8(a) contractors seeking a MAS contract award will be referred to SBA for the 8(a) Pool with their offer. Once the SBA determines them eligible, the contract will be added to the 8(a) Pool upon award.
Moreover, the FAS has added 8(a) Pool contractor indicators on GSA eTool websites, such as eLibrary and GSA Advantage!. “8aS” or “8(a) Sole Source Pool” indicators will be displayed for contractors eligible for sole source and competitive awards. These indicators will give government purchasers insight into your socio-economic status, which will increase your visibility as a small business.
Taking Advantage of the MAS 8(a) Pool
The MAS 8(a) Pool generates a plethora of opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners. Additionally, the government sets annual goals to ensure government funds are flowing through set-asides. If you believe your company may qualify as a disadvantaged business defined by the SBA, be sure to explore the various resources available to you. If you feel overwhelmed or have any GSA related questions, our team is here to help.
