Focus on the 8(a) program: IG: 8(a)s with no biz plans got $93M
Also, 4 geographic areas have highest 8(a) caseloads;
SBA has not compiled full 8(a) portfolio data since 2017
A new report from the Small Business Administration’s Inspector General found that several 8(a) firms ineligible to receive 8(a) set-asides nonetheless won $93 million in such awards.
Those firms failed to obtain SBA approval of their business plans, rendering them ineligible for 8(a) set-asides.
The IG’s Feb. 14 report--an audit of SBA’s assistance to 8(a) firms--also revealed a broad range of gaps in the SBA’s administration of the 8(a) Business Development Program, including shortcomings in management, staffing and data collection, which apparently worsened in recent years.
For example, the report notes that the SBA has not organized and submitted complete data on its 8(a) portfolio since 2017. The agency says it is hampered by problems with its Certify IT system......more....
