$225.00
The 8(a) Journey: From Certification to Success in 7 Easy Steps
This recorded session includes the session video, handouts, presentation and links to the Monday Roundtables. This Package is valid for 30 days.
This session was recorded on July 2nd, 2024
Buy On DemandOverview
From SBA: The SBA 8(a) program is a Federal contracting and training program for experienced small business owners who are socially and economically disadvantaged. The 8(a) program can be a valuable tool for experienced socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners, who have already been in business for at least two years or more, and are interested in expanding their footprint in the federal marketplace. The 8(a) program offers unique and valuable business assistance. The 8(a) certification does not guarantee contract awards but it is a dynamic tool to pursue and capture new opportunity from the government.
This GovBrief session is tailored for 8(a)-certified firms as well as small business owners, and federal contractors that want to become 8(a) certified so they can maximize the competitive advantage of their 8(a) certification. Discover how to establish “Center of Excellence” habits and win federal contracts. Attendees will learn to how to build essential relationships, enhance technical expertise, improve proposal quality, implement effective marketing strategies, maintain open communication, and plan for post-graduation success.
This event offers invaluable insights and practical strategies to elevate your business and ensure sustainable growth throughout the 8(a) program and further growth throughout the federal marketplace. Don't miss this opportunity to gain the tools for success in the 8(a) program!
Recommended attending personnel:
This briefing is recommended for Minority Business Owners, Certified 8(a) firms, Small Business Owners, Business Development Professionals, Capture Management Professionals, and Large Prime Contractors.
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.
Agenda
Overview of the SBA 8(a) Business Development program
- Program Objectives
- Obstacles to Entry
- Maximizing Your Success
Step 1: Building Essential Relationships
Keynote Presentation: "The Power of Networking: Essential Relationships for 8(a) Success"
- Importance of relationships with Sub-Contractors, Teaming Partners, Contracting Officers, Customers, and PTACs
- Strategies for developing and participating in prime and subcontractor teams, joint ventures, and Mentor-Protégé programs
- Leveraging your 8(a) Cert with Primes & Teaming Partners
Step 2: Increasing Technical Expertise
"From Novice to Expert: Building Technical Expertise in Federal Contracting"
- Years 1 - 3: Winning 8(a) opportunities and gaining past performance
- Years 4 - 6: Bidding to learn and securing beneficial contracts
- Years 7 - 9: Establishing long term 8(a) contracts past your exit date
*Interactive Exercise: Case studies on building technical expertise
Step 3: Improving the Quality of Proposals
Crafting Winning Proposals: Tips and Techniques
- Understanding RFP requirements
- Developing effective staffing strategies
- Improving technical writing skills
Step 4: Implementing a Marketing and Business Development Plan
- Networking, attending events, and using social media for business development
- Marketing strategies for each phase of the 8(a) program
- Create a customized marketing and business development plan for your firm
Step 5: Maintaining Open Communication
- Best practices for maintaining communication with contracting officers and other stakeholders
- Timely bid submission and follow-up strategies
*Role-Playing Exercise: Practicing communication scenarios
Step 6: Planning for Post-Graduation Success
- Discussion: "Beyond 8(a): Preparing for Life After Certification"
- Challenges and opportunities post-graduation
- Strategies for competing in the full and open market
Step 7: Creating a Strategic Plan
- Workshop: "Developing a Comprehensive Strategic Plan for Your 8(a) Firm"
- Integrating lessons from the day's sessions into a cohesive strategy
- Hands-on planning and goal-setting activities
Closing Remarks and Additional Services
- Workshops & Deep Dive Trainings
- Marketing
- Being the SME
