Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1003718
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 47 FA C T BO O K / D O I N G B U S I N E S S I N M A I N E B U S I N E S S R E S O U R C E S SBA contracting programs T he SBA works with agencies to award at least 23% of all prime government contracts to small busi- nesses, including those in distressed areas or owned by women or members of socially or economically disadvan- taged groups. e agency ensures that businesses have access to long-lasting develop- ment opportunities, which means working with them to help them stay competitive, as well as encouraging federal agencies to award more con- tracts to small businesses. e SBA provides outreach, matchmaking and online training, and helps agencies identify contract opportunities. HUBZone For additional information, visit www.sba.gov/hubzone e Historically Underutilized Business Zones program (HUBZone) helps small businesses in distressed urban and rural communities access federal contracts, as well as price evalu- ation preference in full and open con- tract competitions. ere is a statutory goal that such businesses be awarded not less than 3% of the total value of all prime contract and subcontract awards. e program also establishes federal contract award preference to small businesses. To qualify for the program, a busi- ness (except those that are tribally owned) must: be small by SBA standards; be owned and controlled at least 51% by U.S. citizens, or a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative or an Indian tribe; have its principal office in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone, which includes Indian Country and military facilities closed by the Base Realignment and Closure Act; have at least 35% of employees residing in a HUBZone. Different rules apply for tribal governments, Alaska native corpo- rations, Community Development Corporations and agricultural coop- eratives, delineated in Title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 126. Businesses that move to quali- fied areas are eligible to apply for certification provided they meet eligi- bility requirements. The SBA is responsible for: determining whether a business is in a HUBZone maintaining a list of qualified HUBZone businesses for use by acquisition agencies in awarding contracts adjudicating eligibility protests and appeals. Women-owned Small Business Federal Contract Program For additional information, visit www.sba.gov/wosb e program authorizes a certain amount of contracts be set aside for women-owned small businesses and economically disadvantaged women- owned small businesses in industries where it has been determined such businesses are under-represented. A firm must be at least 51% owned or controlled by one or more women, the women must be U.S. citizens and the business must be small in accor- dance with SBA's size under North American Industry Classification code standards for that industry. Its owners must demonstrate economic disadvan- tage in accordance with the require- ments of the final rule to be deemed economically disadvantaged. Service-disabled veteran-owned small business To determine eligibility, contact a veterans' business development officer, visit program websites, or contact SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development at www.sba.gov/ about-offices-content/1/2985 e program has a goal of award- ing at least 3% of federal prime and subcontracting dollars a year. Large prime contractors must also establish a subcontracting goal for such businesses; their plans are reviewed by both the contracting officer and the SBA before the contract is awarded. While the SBA does not certify such companies, it administers the process to ensure that only such busi- nesses receive contracts reserved for them. When a self-certification is challenged, the SBA determines if the business meets the requirements. Maine Procurement Technical Assistance Center Register for services at www.maineptac.org Maine PTAC works with small busi- nesses pursuing government market opportunities at the federal, state or local levels as a prime contractor or subcontractor. e center is funded by government resources and provides free counseling. It also provides a bid match service for a fee that helps identify opportunities. Maine PTAC also assists companies with subcon- tractor opportunities and hosts train- ing and networking events. For additional information, contact: Maine PTAC Eastern Maine Development Corp. 40 Harlow St. Bangor, ME 04401-5102 207-942-6389 • 207-942-3548 Fax www.maineptac.org Small Disadvantaged Business To self-certify, visit www.sba.gov/sdb, where the required steps are explained. A Small Disadvantaged Business is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged. e federal government's goal is to award at least 5% of prime contracting dollars to such businesses each year. Large prime con- tractors must also establish a 5% subcon- tracting goal for these businesses in their subcontracting plans, which includes SBA 8(a) certified small businesses. Firms self-certify in the System for Award Management data base. Firms approved by the SBA in the 8(a) Business Development Program are automatically certified. 8(a) Business Development Program For additional information, visit www.sba.gov/8a e nine-year program assists eligible socially and economically disadvantaged individuals developing businesses. To be eligible a business must: be a small business by SBA standards be owned (at least 51%) by one or more individuals who qualify as socially and economically disadvantaged, and who are U.S. citizens be controlled, managed and operated full-time by one or more individuals who qualify as disadvantaged demonstrate potential for success (generally by being in business for at least two years) and have the capacity to perform on government and non-government contracts Individuals who are members of a group subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias are consid- ered socially disadvantaged, including black Americans, Native Americans, native Alaskans, native Hawaiians, Hispanic Americans, Asian Pacific Americans and Subcontinent Asian Americans. An individual who is not a member of one of these groups must show evidence establishing individual social disadvantage. Economically disadvantaged individuals are socially disadvantaged individuals whose ability to compete in the free-enterprise system has been impaired because of diminished capi- tal and credit opportunities because of group identity. SBA designates a district office staffer geographically near the busi- ness to coordinate development assistance. SBA is responsible for: determining whether a business qualifies for the program; determining whether a business continues to qualify during the nine-year term; approving mentor/protégé agreements between 8(a) firms and large businesses; providing technical guidance and business development assistance.