WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration published an interim final rule effective January 13, 2021 allowing 8(a) Program participants to elect a one-year program extension in the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program due to the challenges of COVID-19. Eligible 8(a) firms must meet the following qualifications: Any firm that participated in the 8(a) Program between March 13, 2020, and September 9, 2020, has the option to …