Part 4: 8(a) Business Development Certification-Specific Documents

The following documents are used to evaluate the business’s potential for success, character, and social disadvantage requirements.

• Federal Business Tax Returns for the last three years (including all schedules, attachments, and proof of payment if a balance was due).

• Financial Statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and no more than 180 days old.

• Explanation for Non-Commercial Loans. An explanation of any private loans included on the financial statements.

• Bonding Statement or Surety Letter. Only required for construction companies.

• Recent Contracts. Up to 10 contracts demonstrating the company’s track record of performance.

• Resume. Detail your business management and technical experience.

• Ownership in Another Business. Include tax returns and financial statements.

• Transmutation Agreement. This document details how you would maintain ownership of your company in the case of a divorce. Only required for applicant qualifying owners who are married and live in an area with community property laws (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, Guam, and Puerto Rico).

• Social Narrative. The owner or owner(s) who are claiming social and economic disadvantage can demonstrate their individual social disadvantage through one of two options: by writing a narrative, or by completing the fillable questionnaire in the system. This guide will provide insight into what elements to include in demonstrating social disadvantage. Guide for Demonstrating Social Disadvantage - Certify Knowledge Base - Confluence

• Economic Disadvantage. In addition to all other required documents, applicant will be required to report financial information for all owners comprising 51 percent ownership interest to ensure economic disadvantage thresholds are not exceeded. The following documents will be required for all individuals comprising 51 percent ownership:

  • Federal Personal Tax Returns from the last three years, including W-2s, Schedules, and attachments.

  • Federal Business Tax Returns from the last three years.

  • Retirement Account Statement. Funds invested in an official retirement account will be excluded from the assessment of an economically disadvantaged individual’s personal net worth. Provide an account statement.

  • Personal Financial Information. Required for each person claiming economic disadvantage and for each person’s spouse. NOTE: This does not need to be uploaded but must be completed as part of the application. Detailed information is needed regarding the value of all assets (including cash on hand and in banks, accounts, and notes receivable, retirement accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate, personal property, life insurance, and any other assets), liabilities (such as loans, mortgages, tax debts, and any other liabilities), and income (including salary, investment income, real estate income, and any other income).

Effective October 2024