NicoleD is correct, a federal employee is not eligible for SBA 8(a) status because it is a conflict of interest for the federal government to show preferential treatment towards one of its own personnel.

From what I understand, the 8a program provides various methods of assistance to businesses that qualify as socially and/or economically disadvantaged. A Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) certification, is one method of assistance that pertains to procurement opportunities. According to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (sec 3.6) 'a contracting officer shall not knowingly award a contract to a Government employee or to a business concern or other organization owned or substantially owned or controlled by one or more Government employees. This policy is intended to avoid any conflict of interest that might arise between the employees’ interests and their Government duties, and to avoid the appearance of favoritism or preferential treatment by the Government toward its employees.' If anyone in the Community has had first-hand experience with this topic, please chime in!