The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program is designed to simplify the federal procurement process for certified business participants. The 8(a) Program was developed to enable federal government Program Managers to save time, effort and cost in the procurement process and to protect the interests of small business concerns. Overall, this program serves to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. With contract ceiling up to $4 million dollars per year, the 8(a) Program allows for directed contracting without a lengthy procurement process.