Obtaining 8(a) and NHO Certifications: The Kālaimoku Group
- Challenge: The Kālaimoku Group (TKG), a Native Hawaiian-owned professional communications firm specializing in assisting the Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders (NHPI) community, faced a significant challenge: obtaining their Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) certification and transforming into a Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO). Both programs were created by Congress to assist organizations owned and operated by socially- and economically-disadvantaged entities, enabling them to obtain federal contracting preferences and benefits.
- Our Solution: GTC 360° Advisors worked closely with TKG to navigate the arduous process of obtaining its 8(a) certification and incorporating it under a nonprofit umbrella organization to achieve NHO status. GTC 360° Advisors’ relationship changed from vendor/client to a true partnership, with close collaboration with TKG every step of the way, helping TKG to determine its determining eligibility, prepare both personal and business documentation for the applications, navigating through the entire registration and renewal process, and interacting directly with SBA on TKG’s behalf.
- Results: With GTC 360° Advisors support, TKG is now eligible to pursue sole-source contracts with the Department of Defense for up to $100 million, and $4.5 million with all other federal agencies. In addition, the Kalaimoku Foundation can create perpetual 8(a) companies to benefit all native Hawaiians. GTC 360° is proud to have supported TKG through this process and is excited to continue to assist TKG as it pursues government contracting opportunities and strategic teaming relationships.
