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Government certifications

The credentials that open doors.

Government certifications can help eligible small businesses access set-aside opportunities, agency programs, and new paths to compete. We help you understand the options and prepare for the process.

Explore certifications
FEDERAL · STATE · LOCALKNOW YOUR PATH / BUILD YOUR FOUNDATION
Certifications, made clearer

Less competition. More opportunity.

Federal, state, and local governments use certification programs to expand access to qualified small businesses. The right credentials depend on your ownership, location, size, industry, and the work you want to pursue.

We help you assess potential fit, understand documentation needs, and organize applications—from federal certifications to state and local programs.

Discuss your eligibility
Federal programs

Find the certification that fits your business.

Explore common federal certification pathways. Requirements are specific to each program and may change, so confirm current criteria with the administering agency.

8(a)

8(a) Business Development Program

A federal business development program for eligible small businesses that are socially and economically disadvantaged. Participation can open access to set-aside competitions, certain sole-source opportunities, mentoring, and business development support.

Eligibility considerations

  • Qualify as a small business under the applicable SBA size standard
  • Meet current ownership, control, and disadvantage requirements
  • Show potential for success and meet program participation requirements

Potential opportunities

  • Compete for contracts reserved for program participants
  • Explore eligible sole-source opportunities
  • Access SBA business development assistance and Mentor-Protégé opportunities
HUBZone

HUBZone Program

The Historically Underutilized Business Zone program supports small businesses located in designated areas and employing HUBZone residents, helping them compete for federal contracting opportunities.

Eligibility considerations

  • Qualify as a small business under the applicable SBA size standard
  • Meet the program’s ownership and principal-office requirements
  • Meet current employee-residency and ongoing compliance rules

Potential opportunities

  • Compete for HUBZone set-aside opportunities
  • Potentially receive a price evaluation preference in eligible competitions
  • Combine HUBZone status with other certifications when eligible
WOSB

WOSB / EDWOSB

The Women-Owned Small Business and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business programs support eligible women-owned businesses pursuing federal opportunities in designated industries.

Eligibility considerations

  • Qualify as a small business under the applicable SBA size standard
  • Meet current women-owned and control requirements
  • For EDWOSB, also meet the program’s economic disadvantage criteria

Potential opportunities

  • Compete for eligible WOSB set-aside contracts
  • Access additional opportunities available to eligible EDWOSBs
  • Combine with other certifications when the business qualifies
SDVOSB

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

The SDVOSB program helps eligible service-disabled veteran-owned businesses pursue federal contracting opportunities, including opportunities through the VA’s Veterans First program.

Eligibility considerations

  • Qualify as a small business under the applicable SBA size standard
  • Meet current veteran ownership and control requirements
  • Obtain the required verification through the SBA VetCert program

Potential opportunities

  • Pursue eligible SDVOSB set-aside competitions
  • Explore qualifying sole-source opportunities
  • Access opportunities across federal agencies and the VA

Certification requirements and contracting benefits vary by program and are subject to change. We provide readiness and application guidance; final eligibility decisions are made by the administering agency.

Registration and additional pathways

Build a stronger foundation.

Certifications work best alongside accurate registrations and a clear understanding of the buyers, programs, and contract vehicles you want to pursue.

01SAM

SAM.gov Registration

An active System for Award Management registration is generally required to pursue federal awards and receive federal payments. We help prepare and review your entity registration so the information is complete, aligned, and ready for the opportunities you are targeting.

  • Entity registration and validation guidance
  • CAGE code process support
  • NAICS code selection and profile optimization
  • Core entity details, points of contact, and business information
  • Renewal reminders and registration maintenance planning
02GSA

GSA Multiple Award Schedule

A GSA Schedule can make it easier for eligible government buyers to purchase your products or services through an established contract vehicle. Preparing an offer takes careful planning and documentation.

  • Identify a potentially relevant Schedule and SINs
  • Organize corporate, financial, and past-performance materials
  • Prepare commercial sales and pricing disclosures
  • Develop and submit the offer through the appropriate GSA process
  • Respond to clarification requests and manage contract updates
03DBE

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

State Unified Certification Programs administer DBE certifications for qualifying firms pursuing federally assisted transportation and infrastructure work. Program criteria and processes are handled by the relevant state program.

  • Review ownership, control, and business eligibility criteria
  • Prepare documentation for the state UCP application
  • Understand participation goals and subcontracting opportunities
  • Explore reciprocity and related certifications where available
04STATE

State and Local MBE / WBE / DBE Certifications

State, local, and regional agencies may offer their own certifications for minority-, women-, and disadvantaged-owned businesses, as well as small-business programs. These can complement federal certifications and open doors to different buyers.

  • State MBE and WBE applications
  • State DBE / UCP and ACDBE pathways
  • Small-business and microbusiness certifications
  • City, county, transit, airport, port, and utility programs
From eligibility to application

Move forward with confidence.

We help you map the certifications that align with your business, identify information and documents to gather, and prepare an organized application. You get clear guidance on next steps, deadlines, renewals, and how certifications fit into your government contracting strategy.

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