New thresholds for SBA’s 8(a) government contracting assistance program: Who qualifies now?

    small business runway extension act 2018

    Certain smaller businesses should re-evaluate whether they qualify for the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development program for those owned by “socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities,” following the recent effective date of an SBA final rule adjusting the requirements.

    Under the new guidelines, the thresholds for owners for “economically disadvantaged” designation have been raised as follows. Note that SBA also will no longer distinguish between “initial” and “continuing” eligibility; these new limits apply regardless of stage. 

    • Net worth increased from $250,000 to $750,000 (excludes funds invested in individual retirement accounts (IRAs) or other retirement accounts) 
    • Personal income (averaged over the three preceding years) increased from $250,000 to $350,000 
    • Fair market value of all assets increased from $4 million to $6 million 

    This SBA final rule, which went into effect July 15, aligns the 8(a) program with the same eligibility qualifications of the SBA’s Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) program. 

    Contact

    Rebecca Kehoe, JD, Manager, Government Contracting

    703.847.4431

    OUR PEOPLE

    Get in touch with our specialists

    View All Specialists
    christine williamson

    Christine Williamson

    CPA, PMP, Partner

    Looking for the full list of our dedicated professionals here at CohnReznick?

    Close

    Contact

    Let’s start a conversation about your company’s strategic goals and vision for the future.

    Please fill all required fields*

    Please verify your information and check to see if all require fields have been filled in.

    Please select job function
    Please select job level
    Please select country
    Please select state
    Please select industry
    Please select topic
    GovCon360

    Access Our Government Contracting Topic Page for Key Insights & Powerful Tools

    This has been prepared for information purposes and general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and CohnReznick LLP, its partners, employees and agents accept no liability, and disclaim all responsibility, for the consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.