The Small Business Administration (SBA) is set to introduce changes to its federal contracting certification process, which will temporarily pause new application processing starting in August of 2024. While certified firms will largely be unaffected, new and prospective applicants should note that initial certification applications will not be accepted during this time. However, once the upgraded system is live in early September, new certification applications will become available, allowing firms to apply for certification once again.

What does the certification upgrade mean for your firm?

-Most certified firms won't be affected by the temporary pause in new applications.

-If you're a new or prospective applicant, we recommend waiting until the upgraded system is available in early September to submit your application.

-Any applications received before August 1 will be processed as usual, in the order they were received.

-If you're due for renewal, you'll receive separate guidance from your certification program.

The following certifications will be impacted by the SBA's system upgrade in August, 2024:

-Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification

-Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) certification

-8(a) Business Development Program

-Veteran Small Business Certification (VOSB)

-Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification

-Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) Program

The SBA's certification upgrade coming up in August of this year (2024) will temporarily pause new application processing, but most certified firms will not be affected. New and prospective applicants are advised to wait until the upgraded system is live in early September to submit their applications. If you have questions or concerns about the certification process, I always recommend reaching out directly to an industry expert such as ez8a or Advance 8a - they're here to help. You can call them to discuss your specific situation and get the guidance you need. With their support, you'll be well-prepared for the new certification process and can either continue to thrive in the federal contracting arena, or find quick success. Neither charge for an initial consultation.