Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I have been thinking of starting my own minority 8a company for couple years, and I would like to to know the following:

What are the qualifications?

I was born in an  Asian country and I am of Asian decent.  I have been working for a DoD contractors such as SAIC, Northrop, and an 8a minority company since 2000.  I have been with the Armed Forces Reserves and National Guard for more than 18 years (14years enlisted and 4 years officer) and plan to retire in six years.  After completing my one-year mobilization, it has been difficult to find a job.  I am unemployed and my wife is pregnant with our 3rd child; therefore, I think this is good time for me to start looking into it.

I am looking into starting my own contracting and primarily focus on a niche in the security area since DoD and other agencies are going from DITSCAP to DIACAP as mandated into the 8570.  I have several years experience in DoD systems, network, and information assurance performing certifications and accreditation (C&A).  I am currently working on my CISSP certification, a mandatory required for information assurance managers (IAM)
 
I found this link http://www.fedaccess.com/8(a)-sdb-minorities-women-disabled.htm showing the qualifications.

Where can I get assistance free or for-fee to get started?

http://www.startupnation.com/forums/1157/1/1 - Shonika provided great inputs.

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Hello Rookie,

I think that`s a great idea.  I am actually working on something very similar. 

What state do you reside in?  Because one of my businesses is based out of DC and we have a Minority Certification called the LSDBE and it really gives you a shoe in when it comes to the bidding process.  I would love to extend my knowledge and expertise to you and everyone in need of some corporate guidance here. 

I believe it all really depends on the jurisdiction you plan to do business in, unless you wanted to stick with the gov`t strictly. 

Feel free to ask any questions you have as I would kindly assist you.




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Hello Newfoundwealthkin.

I too have a LSDBE in Washington DC.  Only problem is, I haven't been able to do anything with it. We specialize in security. It looks likes no one wants to give this new company a break without any references. My idea is to try and partner with an 8A company to get our start. Do you have any suggestions?

TKS,

Grinka

Hi Rookie, Are you still interested in starting up an 8(a) company? For Rookie or any others who might be interested in obtaining 8(a) certification--

1. The place to start your research is the Small Business Administration 8(a) page online at http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/8abd/index.html

This is where you will find the current eligibility rules and regulations. When in doubt about an 8(a) rule, you can email the SBA at 8abd@aba.gov for help, but you will find many answers on the Frequently Asked Questions page.

2. While you are still a federal employee, you cannot be granted 8(a) certification, but once you are a civilian / private business owner, you will find that your past military / federal contracting experience is a big help as you grow your own company.

3. Ideally your company should have some existing past performance history and multiple revenue streams before applying to the 8(a) program; if your company is less than 2 years old you will need proof of your revenues and your technical and management capabilities for early admittance into the program.

If you have any other 8(a) questions, I'd be happy to answer them. The best way to reach me is info@get8acertified.com. Best wishes to Rookie and everyone else who is interested in federal contracting, especially to the vets amongst you! (If you are a service disabled veteran, by the way, there is a federal certification program for that, too--just go to www.vetbiz.gov for info.)

My company is 8a certified. I want to go after Federal Contracts using our 8a status. How do I start? We do IT staffing (contract, contract-hire, perm). I currently work with the State of CA and several counties. I know that the 8a certification will help us with Federal contracts but I do not know how to start that process and where to look. Can anyone offer some suggetions. We are also a small women owned business.

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I want to find jobs for 14 year olds about dog training, but it's hard ti find one.

Many times obtaining certifications, such as 8(a) or Woman and/or minority owned businesses, require your business to be in operations for at least 2 years and profitable.  They will let you apply if you do not meet these requirements, but you will also have to submit a business plan and it is a little harded to become certified.

 

My company does assist with these applications and ensuring you are aware of all the documents needed to be sent and where to send everything.  SBA/8(a) Certification and Minority/Woman/Veteran Certifications

 

Also, check with your local Entrepreneur center for a seminar on Government Procurement.

 

Hope this helps!

AnnaLiisa,

I recently retired from the Army as Signal Corps officer and have qualifying service-connected disabilities.  I will be applying for the 2-years waiver for the 8(a).  In addition, I will also apply for the SDVOSB.  Again, thanks.

Rookie

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