| CODE | Description |
|---|---|
| 7349 | Building Cleaning and Maintenance Services, Not Elsewhere |
| 236220 | Commercial and Institutional Building Construction |
| 423450 | Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers |
| 423830 | Industrial Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers |
| 561612 | Security Guards and Patrol Services |
| 561710 | Exterminating and Pest Control Services |
The 8(a) Business Development Program, administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), aims to assist small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Eligible businesses can receive sole-source contracts up to $4.5 million for goods and services and up to $7 million for manufacturing. Participants also gain access to specialized business training, counseling, marketing assistance, and high-level executive development. The program spans nine years, divided into a four-year developmental stage and a five-year transition stage.
The federal government strives to award at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs annually. Eligible businesses must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans. Benefits include access to set-aside and sole-source contracts across various federal agencies. Notably, there is no minimum disability rating required to qualify.
Under the Veterans First Contracting Program, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) prioritizes contracting opportunities for VOSBs. Eligible businesses must be at least 51% owned and controlled by veterans. Certification through the SBA’s VetCert program allows VOSBs to compete for set-aside and sole-source contracts with the VA. Additionally, certified VOSBs can access surplus federal property through the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program.
The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) certifies MBEs, defined as businesses at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by minority group members. Certification offers access to corporate purchasing agents, networking events, and inclusion in a national database used by corporations seeking minority suppliers. MBEs also benefit from capacity-building programs, technical assistance, and advocacy efforts aimed at increasing minority business participation in the marketplace.
California’s DVBE program aims to award at least 3% of all state contracting dollars to DVBEs. Eligible businesses must be at least 51% owned by disabled veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10%. Benefits include bid preferences, eligibility for the streamlined SB/DVBE Option for contracts between $5,001 and $249,999, and enhanced visibility in state procurement processes.
Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB)
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE)
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE)
Community Business Enterprise (CBE)