Skip to main content
 
  • Click to open or close the program search boxShow Me Programs
    • Show me the programs that are
      performing Go
    • Show me the programs that are
      not performing Go
ExpectMore.govExpectMore.gov home pageEXPECT FEDERAL PROGRAMS TO PERFORM WELL, AND BETTER EVERY YEAR.
 
Program Assessment

Program

View Assessment Details

8(a) Business Development Program

The purpose of the 8(a) Business Development program is to help grow small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The program uses Federal contracting, but also management and technical training, mentor-protege and joint-venture arrrangements, and surplus property to help businesses.

Rating

What This Rating Means

PERFORMING
Adequate

This rating describes a program that needs to set more ambitious goals, achieve better results, improve accountability or strengthen its management practices.
  • The Inspector General has recommended that SBA adopt a detailed definition of what it means to be economically disadvantaged and to reconsider the current exclusion of residential and business equity in the computation of an individual's net worth.
  • A new information system is needed to replace the ineffective and inefficient Servicing and Contracts System/Minority Enterprise Development Central Office Repository data system.
  • The program should be re-positioned as a business development program for culturally and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs rather than focusing on Federal procurement.

Improvement Plan

About Improvement Plans

We are taking the following actions to improve the performance of the program:

  • Stengthening criteria relating to economic disadvantage.
  • Developing and implementing new information technology management systems including electronic applications and annual review processing as well as a dynamic management reporting system.
  • Reducing the 8(a) application cycle time.

Learn More
The content on ExpectMore.gov is developed by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and Federal agencies.