about this program
The Center of Excellence for 8(a) Government Contracting, established through a dynamic partnership between Bowie State University (BSU) and Bowie Business Innovation Center (Bowie BIC), will serve as a national model for capacity building among 8(a) firms and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This innovative initiative will expand the proven Bowie BIC 8(a) Accelerator Program, scaling its impact across America’s HBCU network to foster sustainable growth, collaboration, and excellence in federal government contracting.
The 8(a) COE exposes and engages 8(a) companies and HBCUs to best practices, training, and business support that equips, elevates, and expands a government contractor’s infrastructure and capacity to win federal contracts.
Empowering 8(a) Firms and HBCUs
The Center will focus on equipping 8(a) firms and HBCUs with the tools, training, and resources needed to excel in federal contracting by offering:
- Procurement Capture Strategy Training: Comprehensive guidance on identifying, pursuing, and winning federal contracts.
- 8(a) Mentorship Programs: Pairing experienced 8(a) firms with emerging businesses and HBCUs to share best practices and accelerate growth.
- Access to Market Intelligence Tools: Providing commercial online platforms to enhance federal contracting research and competitive analysis.
- Legal Expertise: Facilitating access to specialized government contracting legal counsel to support compliance and mitigate risks.
- Student Internships and Faculty Research Opportunities: Creating avenues for experiential learning and advancing research in contracting practices, driving innovation and workforce development.
Leveraging BSU’s robust data analytics capabilities, the Center will also function as a clearinghouse for best practices in 8(a) government contracting, enabling the continuous improvement and dissemination of effective strategies.
Strengthening HBCU Capacity
The Center is committed to fortifying the infrastructure of HBCUs as vital hubs of government contracting excellence by:
- Developing a Diverse and Inclusive Ecosystem: Building a strong, innovative contracting infrastructure that aligns with the priorities of federal agencies and appeals to private sector capital investments.
- Driving Economic Growth: Generating new jobs, fostering wealth creation, and stimulating economic development in the communities served by HBCUs.
- Attracting Private Sector Capital: Enhancing the credibility and visibility of HBCUs in government contracting, creating opportunities for long-term financial sustainability.
A Catalyst for Change
The Center of Excellence will not only elevate the competitiveness of 8(a) firms but also position HBCUs as strategic partners in the federal marketplace. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and capacity building, the Center will create a lasting impact, enabling a new generation of successful government contractors and empowering communities nationwide.
Angie Duncanson