SBA to merge 8(a) & All Small mentoring, add Small Business recertification requirements

Proposal offers more than 50 changes to current rules

     The Small Business Administration is planning numerous significant changes to its small business mentor-protege and set-aside programs.

      In a wide-ranging proposed rule on Nov. 8, the SBA said it wants to merge its "8(a)" and "All Small" mentor-protege programs into a single program. It also wants to require more recertifications on some contracts and to amend many of the rules for 8(a) participation, among other modifications.

     SBA's reason for the additional recertifications is that a substantial portion of small business set-asides on multiple-award contracts are going to firms that are no longer small, according to the Federal Register notice.

      Overall, the SBA cited President Trump's drive to reduce regulatory burdens as the impetus for the proposals.

      At the same time, the proposed rule makes more than 50 changes to SBA's joint venture, size standard and mentor-protege rules that small vendors must follow ...more....