Technology Readiness Assessment

A nine-year SBA certification for small businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged, subject to personal net worth, income, and asset caps. Certified firms can receive sole-source awards up to statutory thresholds and compete for 8(a) set-aside contracts, plus get SBA business development support; each qualifying individual may use the certification only once in a lifetime.

A Department of Defense classification (ACAT I, II, or III) that sorts acquisition programs by dollar value, complexity, and oversight need. The category determines who serves as the program's Milestone Decision Authority, ranging from the Defense Acquisition Executive for the largest programs (ACAT I) down to component-level officials for smaller ones, and which acquisition rules and reporting requirements apply.

A Women-Owned Small Business whose qualifying woman owner(s) also meet SBA's economic disadvantage thresholds: personal net worth under $850,000, adjusted gross income under $400,000 (three-year average), and assets under $6.5 million, excluding retirement accounts. EDWOSB status, unlike standard WOSB, makes a firm eligible for sole-source awards in addition to competitive set-asides in NAICS codes where women are underrepresented.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency-administered program, authorized by the Arms Export Control Act, through which the U.S. government sells defense articles and services to foreign governments via a government-to-government Letter of Offer and Acceptance. DoD then uses its own acquisition system to fill the order, so contractors often deliver FMS work as add-on quantities or cases layered onto an existing U.S. program rather than a standalone foreign contract.

The individual with formal authority and accountability for a defense acquisition program, responsible for approving its entry into the next phase at each milestone and for its cost, schedule, and performance. Who holds this role depends on the program's Acquisition Category, ranging from the Defense Acquisition Executive for the largest programs down to a service or component acquisition executive for smaller ones.