Aron Beezley Quoted in Law360 on Major SBA 8(a) Business Development Program Overhaul

Bradley partner Aron Beezley was quoted in Law360 about the SBA’s proposed overhaul of the 8(a) Business Development Program’s social disadvantage eligibility criteria. The proposal would eliminate the long-standing presumption that members of certain racial and ethnic groups are automatically considered socially disadvantaged.

"This is the most consequential change to the 8(a) program in decades," Beezley said.

He said the proposed rule would dramatically expand eligibility.

"Essentially any U.S. citizen can now qualify, including groups previously excluded under the race-based presumption, and so the old subjective narrative requirement is basically being replaced with a more standardized, 'evidence-based framework,'" Beezley said.

The proposed rule represents a fundamental shift away from race-based presumptions to an individualized standard requiring applicants to document how discriminatory actions by governments, universities or corporations caused them material harm.

The full article, “Top Gov't Contracting Policies of 2026: Midyear Report,” was published by Law360 on July 21, 2026. (login required)