Under the agreement, the Naval Sea Systems Command will use its SeaPort-eWeb-based services acquisition tool containing Multiple Award Contracts to award federal contracts directly to firms participating in the 8(a) program.

he 8(a) program is a business development program that provides management and technical assistance, and assistance in identifying federal contracting opportunities to socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. These firms will have the opportunity to perform 22 types of
services, including research and development support, engineering and acquisition logistics support.

“The SBA and Department of Navy have a unique opportunity to create opportunities for 8(a) companies and help them develop and become viable in the federal contracting arena, an integral part of the business development assistance provided by the 8(a) program,” SBA Acting Administrator Jovita Carranza said.

"This is a great example of a military department and a civilian agency working together to expand opportunities and improve diversification of our industrial base.  I applaud the Navy and SBA's hard work to realize the vision to provide for competitive 8(a) restricted competition under the SeaPort-e program," said Tim J. Foreman, Director of the Office of Small Business Programs for the Office of the Secretary of the Navy.

Under the agreement, the Navy will be able to expedite the competition and award process directly with 8(a) firms without SBA as an intermediary.  Other benefits of the partnership agreement include:

• Contract opportunities for 8(a) firms in the states affected by these procurements;
• Restriction of task order requirements under the Multiple Award Contracts tool solely for 8(a) competition on 22 types of services;
• An annual rolling admissions period to allow more small businesses to become Multiple Award Contracts awardees within SeaPort-e;
• Provisions to allow existing prime contractors to renew their size status in accordance with SBA’s new recertification rule;
• Rules permitting 8(a) participants to compete on non-8(a) task orders under a contract once they are listed on Navy’s Multiple Award Contracts tool; and
• A five-year base ordering period and two five-year contract award terms under the Multiple Award Contracts tool for 8(a) program participants.

The Memorandum of Agreement is effective for five years.

Release Date: July 14, 2008
Contact: Tiffani Clements (202) 401-0035
Release Number: 08-70
Internet Address: www.sba.gov/news/