This bill extends the time that small disadvantaged businesses can participate in the federal government's 8(a) program, which provides contracting assistance to help these companies grow. Currently, businesses have nine years from certification to participate in the program, but this bill changes when that nine-year clock starts. Instead of starting from the certification date, the clock would begin when a business actually wins its first government contract or two years after certification, whichever comes first. This change applies immediately to businesses already in the program that haven't yet received a contract, giving them additional time to secure federal work. The Small Business Administration must issue regulations within six months to implement these changes, with the law taking effect once those regulations are finalized.
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