What Is an 8(a) Certification?
The 8(a) Business Development Program assists small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Certified companies can receive sole-source contract awards up to $4.5M for services and $7M for manufacturing.
Who qualifies: US citizen owned 51%+ by socially disadvantaged individual, net worth under $750,000, business in operation 2+ years.
What Is HUBZone?
The HUBZone program gives preferential consideration to businesses in historically underutilized areas. Federal goal: 3% of all prime contracts to HUBZone firms.
Who qualifies: Small business 51%+ US citizen owned, principal office in HUBZone, 35%+ employees reside in HUBZone.
What Is WOSB?
The WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) program reserves contracts in industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented. Federal goal: 5% of prime contracts to WOSBs.
What Is SDVOSB?
SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) gives set-aside and sole-source priority to businesses owned by veterans with service-connected disabilities.
What Is CMMC?
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is required for DoD contractors handling CUI. Three levels:
- Level 1: 17 basic practices — annual self-assessment
- Level 2: 110 NIST 800-171 practices — third-party assessment required
- Level 3: 110+ practices — government-led assessment
Certification Timeline
| Certification | Platform | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 8(a) | certify.sba.gov | 90+ days |
| HUBZone | certify.sba.gov | 60-90 days |
| WOSB/EDWOSB | certify.sba.gov | 30-60 days |
| SDVOSB/VOSB | certify.sba.gov | 30-60 days |
| CMMC Level 2 | C3PAO assessment | 3-6 months |
GovCon Media Mosiac provides certification eligibility assessments and application support. Book a free consultation to evaluate your certification pathway.