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What is the maximum number of years an 8(a) participant can be in the program?

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My firm is starting its third year in the 8(a) Business Development Program, and we're planning out our strategy for the next few years. We’ve secured a couple of small 8(a) sole source award contracts for staffing and training services under NAICS 541611. I want to make sure I understand the full length of the program. I know there are developmental and transitional stages, but I'm not clear on how many years each stage lasts. What is the maximum number of years an 8(a) participant can be in the program? How many years are in the developmental stage, and how many in the transitional stage?

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asked Keisha W. Verified vendor8(a) firm founder, staffing and training · Atlanta, GA · 652 rep

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An 8(a) participant can be in the program for a maximum of nine years. The program term starts from the date of the SBA approval letter that admits a business into the program. The SBA divides this nine-year period into two stages: the developmental stage and the transitional stage.

The first four years of the 8(a) program term are considered the developmental stage. The remaining five years of the program constitute the transitional stage. My firm is an SDVOSB, and I have worked with 8(a) firms as a sub; the SBA lays out the rules for participation in 13 CFR 124.2(a), which defines the program term and its stages. Understanding these stages helps with long-term strategic planning for your firm.

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answered Luis A. Verified vendorSDVOSB founder, court reporting and legal support · San Antonio, TX · 678 rep

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Sign up to answerCite the FAR clause or procurement code where you can.

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