Defense, SBA extend 8(a) partnership

The Defense Department will be able to award 8(a) contracts to small businesses on behalf of the Small Business Administration for an additional year, according to a notice in today's Federal Register.

The Defense Department and SBA have had a partnership since February 2002 that allows the Defense Department to award the contracts. The partnership extension is effective today and will run through Sept. 30, 2005, according to the notice.

SBA's 8(a) business development program is designed to help small, disadvantaged companies grow their businesses and compete in the federal marketplace. Participants can compete for federal contracts set aside specifically for 8(a) businesses.