SBA Announces Customer Experience Transformation for Government Contract Certificates

The SBA recently announced a new program called MySBA Certifications, designed to streamline the process for small business owners to apply for and manage certifications for government contracts. The new digital platform, which will launch in September, is part of the SBA’s multi-year effort to modernize the customer experience.

Director Isabel Casillas Guzman emphasized the importance of small businesses in the federal supply chain, highlighting their role in bringing innovation, vitality, and competitiveness to the market. Guzman said the Biden-Harris Administration is focused on elevating the customer experience and modernizing the delivery of SBA programs and services. MySBA Certifications is the latest investment aimed at making it easier for small business owners to obtain certification and pursue federal contracting opportunities.

Key Features of MySBA Certifications

• Reduced Papers: The new system will simplify the application process, reducing the paperwork burden for applicants.
• Integrated Platform: Business owners can apply and manage all corporate contract certificates in one place.
• More apps: It allows simultaneous applications for multiple certificates.
• Access to Resources: The platform provides valuable resources to help businesses win contracts.

Federal Contracting certifications are available

MySBA certifications will allow small business owners, including those from underserved communities, to apply for and receive certifications such as:

• Women Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSB)
• Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Veteran-Owned Disabled Business (SDVOSB)
• Small Businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone)
• 8(a) Business Development Program
• Mentor-Protégé Program

Simple Procedures

Currently, SBA’s certification programs operate under separate systems with different applications and procedures. A White House analysis estimates that 40 percent of small businesses qualify for multiple certifications for government contracts, but only 10 percent hold more than one. MySBA certifications aim to consolidate these processes, giving businesses more opportunities to bid and win contracts.

The SBA is also implementing policy changes to streamline the application process, align requirements across certification programs and reduce paperwork burden while maintaining strong certification standards. These changes are expected to reduce application completion time by 40 percent for single certificates and up to 70 percent for multiple certificates. Additionally, processing times for WOSB and 8(a) applications are expected to decrease by 80 percent.

Integration with Existing Platforms

MySBA Certifications will integrate with other SBA platforms, including the Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program and the MySBA Loan Portal, creating a complete digital experience. The VetCert program, which started in 2023, approved more than 10,400 applications in its first year. The integration of these platforms aims to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience for small business owners.

Support During Transition

The SBA has extended certification renewal timelines by one year for many certified firms to support a smooth transition. The agency also works with partners and civil society organizations to ensure that federal contractors continue to access critical programs. More information can be found at certify.sba.gov.