SBA Certifications Upgrade: What You Need to Know
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will upgrade the process for applying for and managing federal contracting certifications. Here’s what you need to know:
The SBA’s certification upgrade begins August 1, 2024. During the upgrade, the SBA will not accept initial certification applications. The upgraded system should be available for new certifications in early September. (certify.sba.gov)
What Does This Mean for My Firm?
- Most certified firms will not be impacted by the application pause.
- New or prospective applicants should wait to apply after the upgrade.
- The SBA will process applications submitted before August 1, 2024, in the order received.
- Firms needing to renew should receive guidance from their certification program.
- Firms facing a critical contracting deadline can contact certifications@sba.gov and provide the proposal number, agency, and bid due date. (ibid)
Which Certifications Are Impacted by the Upgrade?
- Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
- Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)
- 8(a) Business Development Program
- Veteran Small Business Certification (VOSB)
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
- Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) Program (ibid)
The SBA will provide more resources and guidance in the coming days.
Have questions or need additional guidance, give us a call.