Services
Overview
Small business issues are at the forefront for many federal government contractors. The government is legally required to provide specific opportunities for small businesses but it is often difficult for contractors to successfully navigate through the various laws, regulations, and programs that govern these opportunities. Centre Law's attorneys have extensive experience interpreting and applying these complicated laws, regulations, and requirements and are able to use their knowledge of small business issues to resolve a variety of client matters and legal disputes as well as provide guidance to small business contractors regarding the various programs and opportunities available to them.
Experience
8(a) Applications and Counseling
We assist clients regarding all aspects of the SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program. From determining whether a company's size and profile meet the requirements of the 8(a) program to helping 8(a) companies identify worthwhile procurement opportunities, Centre's team is qualified to provide cradle-to-grave consulting services regarding this very popular and successful small business program. Our most recent experience includes filing and revising 8(a) applications on behalf of small businesses, assisting businesses gather and compile the necessary information and financial records required for admission into the 8(a) program, and counseling 8(a) program participants on the regulations and compliance measures related to the program.
Mentor/Protégé Programs
In conjunction with SBA's mentor/protégé program, our firm helps small businesses connect with more experienced government contract firms that are looking to expand business opportunities in the federal procurement arena. The mentor/protégé program allows newly formed small businesses to team with successful large companies under a structured program in an effort to provide small businesses with the knowledge and resources necessary to succeed in the industry. Centre's team is keenly aware of the responsibilities of both the mentor and protégé under these arrangements and can assist both small companies and large companies take advantage of the opportunities resulting from this popular and worthwhile small business program.
Native American Contracting Law
Centre's legal team has extensive experience helping Native American and Tribal entities take advantage of unique opportunities available to them through various small business benefits and programs. We are aware and up-to-date on the numerous special rules governing these benefits and programs and are able to assist qualified contractors navigate the various regulations and requirements that apply in order to ensure that Native American and Tribal entities become and remain successful in the government contracts industry.
Small Business Size Determinations
We are intimately familiar with the various size standards and requirements applied by the Small Business Administration in determining whether a business can be classified as small for purposes of government contract opportunities. Depending on the specific services or products being procured, these determinations are decided based on the size of a company's workforce or its revenue. Centre can assist contractors with analyzing and gathering information necessary in order to make decisions regarding small business size determinations, whether it be for a specific contract opportunity or for business planning and strategy purposes.
Small Business Subcontracting Requirements
We understand that small business subcontracting plans are one of the most important and challenging requirements for government contractors. Government contract businesses that are other than small must ensure that they are meeting subcontracting goals set forth in each contract and that they are complying with the terms and conditions of executed subcontracting plans. Centre's team possesses the necessary knowledge and background to help contractors navigate important laws and regulations regarding small business subcontracting plans. In addition, Centre's extensive experience provides small businesses with the necessary tools and resources to take advantage of opportunities that are available as a result of subcontracting plan requirements.
Size Protests and Appeals
We regularly litigate and assist our clients in resolving size protests and appeals. While legal action is often a last resort for small businesses, Centre's legal team has in excess of 45 years of combined experience handling legal disputes involving government contractors. We have recently filed numerous size protests on behalf of 8(a) and other small business contractors and have the knowledge, resources, and materials that are necessary in order to successfully represent contactors during all phases of litigation.
HUBZone, and & SDVOSB Contracting Issues
We counsel small businesses regarding their eligibility to compete for various types of small business set-aside opportunities, including HUBZone and service-disabled-veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) set-aside contracts. Centre's attorneys and consultants have broad and wide-ranging experience regarding the processes and necessary certifications governing these set-aside programs and have also spent years identifying and resolving issues related to small business set-aside contracts. Our team is aware of the numerous rules, requirements, and regulations that apply to set-aside opportunities and can help small businesses become successful by taking advantage of the plethora of special benefits and privileges afforded to HUBZone small businesses and SDVOSBs.
