# 8(a) set-aside contracts An 8(a) set-aside reserves a contract for participants in SBA's 8(a) Business Development program, small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, who may also receive sole-source awards during a nine-year program term. Nine years from admission, split into developmental and transitional stages. Yes, under the dollar thresholds in FAR 19.805-1 and SBA rules.Checked on 2026-11-12.Official source: [SBA 8(a) program](https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program) | Program | 8(a) | | --- | --- | | Government-wide goal | Counted toward the 5% small disadvantaged business goal | | Certified by | SBA, through certify.sba.gov | | SAM.gov notice codes | 8A (8(a) set-aside); 8AN (8(a) sole source) | ## Who qualifies for 8(a) set-asides? - Small for the NAICS code of the work - At least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged US citizens - Owner personal net worth and income under SBA limits - Potential for success, generally two years in business - Nine-year program term ## How do I find 8(a) set-aside opportunities? Search [active SAM.gov opportunities](https://samgovapi.io/opportunity-search) and filter by the set-aside codes 8A or 8AN. Alerts can match new 8(a) notices to your NAICS codes and email you. ## How do I find 8(a) firms? Use the [small business search](https://samgovapi.io/small-business-search) with the 8(a) filter for teaming partners, or call the API with business_type=A6. ## Get this as JSON ``` curl "https://samgovapi.io/api/v1/opportunities?q=&active=true&set_aside=8A" \ -H "Authorization: Bearer sg_YOUR_KEY" ``` Keys start free, with no card. [Get a free API key](https://samgovapi.io/sign-up) or read the [docs](https://samgovapi.io/docs). ## Questions How long can a firm stay in 8(a)?Nine years from admission, split into developmental and transitional stages.Can 8(a) firms get sole-source contracts?Yes, under the dollar thresholds in FAR 19.805-1 and SBA rules. ## Related - [8(a) program](https://samgovapi.io/glossary/8a-program) - [Small business search](https://samgovapi.io/small-business-search) - [Set-asides](https://samgovapi.io/set-aside)Updated 2026-11-12. Sources checked 2026-11-12.Independent. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by GSA, SAM.gov or any U.S. government agency. Registering in SAM.gov is free at sam.gov.

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