Courtesy of Bowie State University
Bowie State University in collaboration with the Bowie Business Innovation Center (BIC) will expand services to reinforce the ability of HBCUs to win federal government contracts.
The Center of Excellence for 8(a) Government Contracting program is a new initiative designed to be a catalyst for business development that will fuel jobs and economic growth in the communities served by HBCUs.
“We’ll be focused on helping HBCUs create sustainable partnerships with 8(a) firms to enhance their ability to not only bid on federal contact opportunities but win the business,” said Gail Bassette, BSU’s director of strategic engagement and economic development. “Developing the institutional knowledge required to build the partnerships with small businesses will be vitally important as HBCUs pursue emerging technology, research and other 8(a) federal contracting opportunities.”
Implementing business-like practices as a strategy for HBCUs to increase their odds of winning large federal grants and contracts is an important goal of the project. It will also pair HBCUs with 8(a) contractors to increase their capabilities. “Ultimately, we want to identify and recruit 15 HBCUs that will participate in the initiative,” said Bassette. “Once they’re totally engaged, we’ll seek to expand and provide services to more HBCUs.”
A small business that is owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged citizens can apply to join the 8(a) Business Development Program to be eligible for federal contracts. In 2022, the federal government surpassed its contracting goal and awarded $163 billion in contracts to small businesses with women-owned businesses receiving more than $26 billion.