Important Updates since the last session:

The suspension of over 1,000 8(a) firms provides an unprecedented opportunity for contracting officers to use the new FAR changes that allow contracting officers to remove and reallocate funds from 8(a) contracts to other Small Business categories.

• Department of War 8(a) investigation: https://youtu.be/sv-POe5goAM?si=qgEs-7CMATdE_8pT January 16, 2026
• SBA Clarification on 8(a) eligibility: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/01/22/sba-issues-clarifying-guidance-race-based-discrimination-not-tolerated-8a-program January 22, 2026
• 1,000 8(a) Firms Suspended: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/acquisition-policy/2026/01/sba-suspends-1000-8a-firms-for-not-submitting-data/ January 22, 2026

This is unprecedented and very important.

During this session we will provide:

• Expiring 8(a) contracts with critical dates and contact information for contracting officers
• Real life examples of how 8(a) contracts are being pulled and re-competed or sole sourced to non-8(a) companies
• Templates that you can use with contracting officers to position your company as a valuable resource capable of taking over current and new requirements.

Session Overview

Right now, the Small Business 8(a) Program is being upended as we know it:

$17.1 Billion in existing 8(a) contracts with budgeted dollars are expiring in FY 2026. We will provide a report of all expiring contracts (see below).

The FAR Overhaul has changed the regulations that allow contracting officers to pick the set-aside category, including pulling exiting 8(a) contracts out of this set-aside category when the contract ends.

The FAR Overhaul now states that 8(a)s less than $4.5 million must be competed. On Dec 5th, all 4,300 8(a)s are required to submit financial statements submit extensive documentation, that can include bank statements, financial records, payroll, contract & subcontract agreements, and employment records covering the past three fiscal years. Failure to comply could mean removal from the program.

On Dec 8th, all Department Heads sent letters to federal agencies "immediately pause all 8(a) sole-source contracting".

On January 22nd, over 1,000 8(a) companies were suspended.

Lawsuits are in place to stop the 8(a) Program.

What does this mean for 8(a)’s?

If you are an 8(a) company, you need to pivot and protect your contract by providing an alternative path to procurement.

What does it mean for WOSBs, HUBZones, VOSB and SDVOSB?

Contracting Officers can now easily remove contracts from the 8(a) Program to your Set-aside category (WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB).

 What does this mean for Small Businesses?

Agencies WILL recompete some of these contracts - You need to get ahead of the recompete and make sure they know you can deliver.

What does this mean for Large Business?

Contracting Officers have new paths to remove contracts from 8(a) - including full and open - or using a current vehicle. This session will review alternatives that include ways to leverage any size business.

This Session Includes:

• Detailed information of the 8(a) expiring contracts in ALL NAICS codes for EVERY federal Department and Agency.
• Expert advice from former federal contracting professional Brian Hebbel on what Contracting Officers need from you.
• Expert sales and marketing advice from Dave Lowe on how you can position your company for these contracts.

There has never been a better opportunity for non-8(a) businesses to market and propose on these existing 8(a) contracts/orders. During this presentation, we will break out the opportunities of every federal department to help assist you in hunting for new work in the New Year of 2026. Don't miss this opportunity to learn of the changes and the opportunities available.

Important: This briefing uses a Zoom-based communication connection via your network. This briefing will be accessible via phone if you are unable to connect online and recorded versions will be distributed with closed-caption for the hearing impaired. Instructions for login will be provided upon registration.