In today’s episode of The Daily Windup, we hear a hard-earned lesson from a federal contractor who reveals the hidden pitfalls of the 8(a) program. While many conferences push small businesses to get 8(a) certified, few explain how to actually leverage the designation. Our guest shares how it took years to find a solid mentor-protégé partner—and by the time they did, their certification had expired. The major takeaway? Relationships matter more than paperwork, and timing your 8(a) strategy is critical.

She also drops a crucial warning about NAICS codes—specifically how her primary code of 541310 (Architectural Services) prevented her from winning sole-source 8(a) contracts due to Brooks Act restrictions. It’s a painful reminder that not all NAICS codes are created equal when it comes to government contracting. If you're navigating the 8(a) process or thinking about it, this episode is a must-listen to avoid years of frustration and missed opportunities.