Fixing SBA'S 8(a) Program

The Clinton prescription for the highly criticized program:

THE PROBLEM                           THE SOLUTION

-- Businesses often stay in the       SBA has increased scrutiny
   program long after they've         of program participants,
   grown too large or too rich        cutting over 500 since 1993

-- Most of the 8(a) contracts go      SBA is urging agencies
   to a small number of firms         to target firms that have
   in the program                     never won an 8(a) contract

-- Many 8(a) firms become             SBA is developing
   addicted to government             a new computer system to
   contracts and later fail when      track the development of
   cut out of the program             8(a) firms

DATA: GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE, SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION