The Center of Excellence for 8(a) Government Contracting, established through a dynamic partnership between Bowie State University (BSU) and Bowie Business Innovation Center (Bowie BIC), will serve as a national model for capacity building among 8(a) firms and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This innovative initiative will expand the proven Bowie BIC 8(a) Accelerator Program, scaling its impact across America’s HBCU network to foster sustainable growth, collaboration, and excellence in federal government contracting.
The 8(a) COE exposes and engages 8(a) companies and HBCUs to best practices, training, and business support that equips, elevates, and expands a government contractor’s infrastructure and capacity to win federal contracts.
The Center will focus on equipping 8(a) firms and HBCUs with the tools, training, and resources needed to excel in federal contracting by offering:
Leveraging BSU’s robust data analytics capabilities, the Center will also function as a clearinghouse for best practices in 8(a) government contracting, enabling the continuous improvement and dissemination of effective strategies.
The Center is committed to fortifying the infrastructure of HBCUs as vital hubs of government contracting excellence by:
The Center of Excellence will not only elevate the competitiveness of 8(a) firms but also position HBCUs as strategic partners in the federal marketplace. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and capacity building, the Center will create a lasting impact, enabling a new generation of successful government contractors and empowering communities nationwide.
The 8(a) COE helps 8(a) firms and HBCUs accelerate growth through federal procurement. SBA information indicates that as many as 80% of the minority, women-owned and veteran-owned business certified as 8(a) businesses may be out of business within 24 months of graduating from its 8(a) program. Therefore, the majority of 8(a) businesses do not develop sustainable business practices and relationships to grow financially while they participated in the 8(a) program. This also means that the communities where 8(a) firms operate are dramatically affected by the loss of these existing companies, as well as jobs, tax revenues, leases for office space, and the economic vitality they generate.
The 8(a) COE uses best practices from the 8(a) Accelerator to address the training, networking, resources, and infrastructure gaps that organizations lack with traditional consulting services.
The 8(a) COE uses best practices from the 8(a) Accelerator to address the training, networking, resources, and infrastructure gaps that organizations lack with traditional consulting services.
The 8(a) COE partners with Justis Connections and other legal resources, connecting businesses with top-rated attorneys across the country.
A successful foundation in federal procurement is developing a strong procurement capture strategy when pursuing contracts. The 8(a) COE assists 8(a) firms and HBCUs with understanding the procurement lifecycle, business capture planning, research, and acquisition strategy.
The 8(a) COE supports 8(a) firms and HBCUs with identifying and tracking federal procurement opportunities.
The 8(a) COE is a place where HBCUs and 8(a) firms can collaborate to pursue federal procurement opportunities that advance efforts in research and development, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The 8(a) COE will assist participants with Identifying mentors and cultivating mentoring relationships.
Access to Capacity-building Resources
Collaboration Opportunities
New Federal Funding Sources
Mentoring and Coaching
Funding and Partnership Opportunities
Expanded Pipelines and Internship for Students
Increase Capacity to Compete
Access to Resources
Visibility and Leadership
The Center of Excellence for 8(a) Government Contracting expands the Bowie BIC 8(a) Accelerator Program model through America’s HBCU network. The 8(a) COE is a place where HBCUs and 8(a) firms can collaborate to pursue federal procurement opportunities that advance efforts in research and development, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.
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Bowie Business Innovation Center
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