8(a) Training Goes Interactive SBA is preparing an online application for 8(a) certification and is developing an interactive training program on how to market to the federal government, said Fred Armendariz, SBA associate deputy administrator for government contracting and business development. He said the agency will soon hire a contractor to develop an online application for 8(a) and small disadvantaged business certification patterned after the HUBZone application process. A “Procurement Academy” for 8(a) and SDB firms is also in development and should be ready with three to four months, he added. Other SBA officials have said the interactive training courses will be distributed on CD-ROM. Describing 8(a) certification as a “hunting license,” he said the goal of the training program is “to teach them how to hunt.” But he said agencies should offer more 8(a) contracts.