The SBA 8a Mentor

Before you start filling out the SBA 8(a) application, you must first be registered in these four databases. Plan on spending about a week to get of the forms completed. These are short forms and you do not have to pay someone to complete them for you, save you money!

1. Employer Identification Number (EIN) - The EIN is a permanent tax number and can be used immediately for many business needs, including: opening a bank account; applying for business licenses and filing a tax return by mail.
> http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html

2. Business Registration - DUNS Number - Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) provides a unique nine digit identification number, for each physical location of your business. The D-U-N-S Number assignment is FREE and is a requirement to register with the US Federal government for contracts or grants. It can be created within 1 business day. Note: After you register with Dun & Bradstreet they will start calling or emailing you to sign-up for additional services.

Note: It is NOT necessary to sign-up for these services. It will NOT affect your ability to get government contracts. > http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

3. Central Contractor Registration (CCR) - To do business with the Federal government and to be certified under the 8(a) Program or as an SDB, you must register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database. CCR is a government-wide single point of vendor registration. CCR is a key aspect of streamlining and integrating electronic commerce into the Federal procurement process. > https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx

Note: If you are a new registrant to CCR and/or updating your profile, expect a 24 to 72 hour waiting period before you can access to the SBA 8(a) application.

4. General Log-in System (GLS) - SBA supports a single log-in point for all services called the General Log-in System. It will take about three days for your login information to be available. Recommendation: While you are waiting for the registrations to become active, go ahead and start writing your narrative.
> https://eweb.sba.gov/gls/dsp_addcustomer.cfm

Note: Keep your collection of government login / passwords handy by writing them on a note card. I used to keep all passwords on my computer until it crashed, oops. Purchasing a small box and a set of cards is cheap insurance, just keep it secure.

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