The effectiveness of United States Coast Guard participation in the Department of Transportation 8 (a)--pilot program.

Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to engage in procurement contracts with federal agencies for the purpose of subcontracting to small business firms on a non-competitive basis. This authority exists to assist socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses in establishing a competitive position within the financial marketplace. From 1983 to 1985, the Department of Transportation (DOT) participated in an experimental 8(a) program known as the 8(a) pilot program. This program attempted to develop procurement opportunities for 8(a) firms in new areas which involved high-technology or large dollar values (over $1 million). This thesis attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of U.S. Coast Guard participation in the DOT 8(a) pilot program. Specifically, it evaluates to what degree Coast Guard procurements within the 8(a) pilot program achieved overall program objectives.http://archive.org/details/effectivenessofu00fujiLieutenant, United States Coast GuardApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited