On December 5, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it has directed all 4,300 firms participating in the 8(a) Business Development Program to submit financial records for the past three fiscal years. The required documents included bank statements, financial statements, general ledgers, payroll registers, contracting and subcontracting agreements, and employment records. The 8(a) Business Development Program is a federal initiative administered by the SBA to help small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete for government contracts. The SBA stated that firms must comply by January 5, 2026, or risk losing eligibility for the 8(a) Program and potential further investigative or remedial actions. The agency noted the request is part of an ongoing effort to address fraud, waste and abuse in the 8(a) Program following recent DOJ investigations and whistleblower reports.