Services
Overview
For small businesses, understanding the opportunities available to them as the federal government contractors is invaluable. Small business concerns are eligible for both special aid and set-aside contracts, and have leverage to team with large prime contractors on lucrative government contracts. In order for small businesses to succeed, however, they must understand the complicated legal issues that surround their size status and participation as federal government contractors. Centre attorneys have extensive experience in interpreting the applicable laws, regulations, and requirements that govern small business, as well as in identifying and pursuing the opportunities available to small business contractors.
Experience
Size Protests and Appeals
We regularly litigate and assist our clients in resolving size protests and appeals. While legal action is a last resort for small businesses, Centre's legal team has in excess of 50 years of combined experience handling legal disputes involving government contractors. We have recently filed numerous size protests on behalf of 8(a) companies and other small business contractors and have the knowledge, resources, and materials necessary in order to successfully represent contactors during all phases of litigation. We can zealously represent your interests in a size protest, and we can also counsel you in the event our expertise uncovers that litigation is not worth the cost.
Small Business Applications and Counseling
We assist clients regarding all aspects of the SBA's certification programs, including the 8(a) Business Development Program, Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program, and now, the Women-Owned Small Business Program (WOSB). From determining whether a company's size and profile meet the eligibility requirements of a chosen program, to helping companies identify worthwhile procurement opportunities, Centre's team is qualified to provide cradle-to-grave consulting services regarding small business programs. For example, 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 in taking advantage of the opportunities resulting from this popular and worthwhile small business program.
Native American and Alaska Native Corporation Contracting Law
Centre's legal team has extensive experience helping Native American tribal entities and Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) 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 ANCs become and remain successful in the government contracts industry.
Contracting Issues Encountered by Specific Types of Small Business Concerns
We counsel small businesses regarding their eligibility to compete for various types of small business set-aside opportunities. 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 these small business programs. The landscape of small business concern opportunities and regulations is changing, and small business concerns must be aware of what this means for their particular type of business.
