If you’ve been keeping up with the CEO in the Making Series, you already understand that securing a federal certification is just the beginning. Your 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, DBE, or SDVOSB status gives you access to exclusive contracts and opportunities. But certification isn’t a one-time achievement—it requires ongoing compliance and strategic effort to maintain your eligibility and maximize its benefits.
This guide walks you through the key steps to maintaining your certification, so your business continues to qualify for government contracts while positioning itself for long-term success.
Why Maintaining Your Certification Matters
Federal certifications come with rules, renewals, and reporting requirements. Staying compliant ensures that:
- You remain eligible for set-aside and sole-source contracts
- Your business stays competitive in the government contracting space
- You avoid costly mistakes or disqualifications that could impact future contracts
Failing to maintain compliance can result in losing your certification—and the contracts that come with it. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.
Step 1: Track Your Certification Expiration & Renewal Deadlines
Every certification has an expiration date and renewal process. Missing a deadline could mean losing access to lucrative contracts. Here’s a quick guide:
8(a) Business Development Program – Annual reviews; max participation of 9 years
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) & Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB) – Annual self-certification required in SBA’s Certify portal
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) – Annual renewal with state DOT offices
HUBZone – Recertification required every 3 years with annual updates
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) – Verification through VA’s VetCert program (renewal every 3 years)
Action Step: Set up calendar reminders for your certification deadlines and plan ahead for documentation submissions.
Step 2: Keep Your Business Information Updated
Government agencies require that your business information stays current. Key areas to review regularly include:
✔ SAM.gov Registration – Renew annually to stay active
✔ Business Ownership & Structure – Any changes must be reported to the SBA or certifying agency
✔ Physical Location – If you are HUBZone-certified, ensure your business still meets the geographic requirements
✔ Tax Filings & Financial Documents – Keep accurate financial records to verify eligibility
Action Step: Conduct a quarterly compliance review of your business details to avoid surprises during renewal.
Step 3: Maintain Eligibility & Compliance
Each certification has strict rules regarding business size, ownership, and day-to-day operations. Avoid compliance issues by:
- Keeping majority ownership (51%) with the qualifying individual(s)
- Ensuring daily management and decision-making remain with the qualifying owner
- Tracking contract performance and reporting any subcontracting requirements
- Continuing to meet HUBZone, DBE, or SDVOSB location-based requirements
Failure to comply can lead to audits, penalties, or losing your certification.
Action Step: Review eligibility requirements annually to confirm continued compliance.
Step 4: Submit Required Annual Reports & Audits
Some certifications require annual reports or program updates. Missing these filings can result in suspension or removal from certification programs.
8(a) Annual Review – SBA requires financials, tax returns, and contract activity
HUBZone Annual Review – Must confirm business location and employee residency status
DBE Renewal – Typically requires submitting updated business and financial information
Action Step: Work with an accountant or compliance specialist to ensure timely submission of all required documentation.
Step 5: Leverage Your Certification for Growth
A certification is only valuable if you actively use it to secure contracts. To maximize your advantage:
✔ Attend procurement events and build relationships with contracting officers
✔ Update your capability statement to highlight your certifications
✔ Bid on set-aside contracts through SAM.gov
✔ Partner with prime contractors looking for certified subcontractors
Action Step: Set a goal to apply for at least 3-5 federal contracts per quarter to fully leverage your certification.
Maintaining your certification is just as important as getting certified in the first place. By staying compliant, renewing on time, and actively pursuing contract opportunities, you’ll position your business for long-term success in federal contracting.
Need guidance in navigating the renewal process or leveraging your certification? Join our Project Manager to CEO Workshop on March 1st and 2nd.
