SBA Proposes to Merge 8(a) Business Development Mentor-Protégé Program and All Small Mentor-Protégé Program

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) proposes to merge its 8(a) Business Development (BD) Mentor-Protégé Program and its All Small Mentor-Protégé Program to eliminate confusion and remove unnecessary duplication of functions within SBA. The proposed rule would change certain joint venture rules and certain set-aside rules. It would also require recertification for certain orders under unrestricted multiple award contracts. SBA  is also considering whether to limit mentors only to those firms having average annual revenues of less than $100 million.

The proposed rule would also revise several 8(a) BD program regulations to reduce unnecessary or excessive burdens on 8(a) participants and clarify other related regulatory provisions to eliminate confusion among small businesses and procuring activities.

• The text of this proposed rule and further information is posted here.
• Comments on this proposed rule are due by January 17, 2020 and can be posted here.
• Advocacy contact: Major.Clark@sba.gov.