The SBA is upgrading how our customers apply for and manage their federal
contracting certifications. What do you need to know?
SBA’s certification upgrade starts in August 2024.
• Initial certification applications will not be accepted during the upgrade period.
• The upgraded system is expected to be available for new certifications in early September.
What will this mean for my firm?
• Most certified firms will not be impacted by the pause in applications.
• New or prospective applicants are encouraged to wait to apply after the upgrade.
• Applications submitted before August 1 will be processed in the order received.
• Firms needing to renew should receive guidance from their certification program.
• Firms facing a critical contracting deadline can contact certifications@sba.gov. Please provide proposal number, agency, and bid due date.
Which certifications are impacted by the upgrade?
• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
• Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)
• 8(a) Business Development Program
• Veteran Small Business Certification (VOSB)
• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
• Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) Program
Stay tuned! The SBA will be providing more resources and guidance over the coming days.
Visit certify.sba.gov for the most current guidance or he SBA at certifications@sba.gov
or 202-205-6459.