The SBA administers two particular business assistance programs for small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs). These programs are the 8(a) Business Development Program and the Small Disadvantaged Business Certification Program. While the 8(a) Program offers a broad scope of assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged firms, SDB certification strictly pertains to benefits in federal procurement. 8(a) firms automatically qualify for SDB certification.

SBA certifies SDBs to make them eligible for special bidding benefits. Evaluation credits available to prime contractors boost subcontracting opportunities for SDBs. We have become, in effect, the gateway to opportunity for small contractors and subcontractors. We are also directing the new HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program that allows small firms located in many urban or rural areas to qualify for sole-source and other types of federal contract benefits. HUBZone stands for "historically underutilized business zone." 8(a) companies and SDBs located in these areas are eligible for benefits under both programs. Our task is to teach 8(a) and other small companies how to compete in the federal contracting arena and how to take advantage of greater subcontracting opportunities available from large firms as the result of public-private partnerships.