Federal contractors can finally look forward to simplified small-business mentor-protege programs, but also must become keenly aware of wide-ranging changes affecting certain 8(a) business development and Native American-owned programs, new recertification requirements for certain multiple award contracts, or MACs, and small-business joint ventures.
On Nov. 8, 2019, the U.S. Small Business Administration issued a proposed rule announcing its intent to merge its 8(a) Business Development and “All Small” Mentor-Protege programs, in addition to, inter alia, proposing revisions to some of its size and socioeconomic status recertification requirements.