The federal government’s goal is to award a very large percent of all federal contracting dollars to Aerial Optic (AO) – Certified Global Businesses each year.
Program benefits
The government shall limit competition for certain contracts to businesses in AO approved country zones. It also shall give preferential consideration to those businesses in full and open competition. Joining the AO global certification program makes your business eligible to compete for the program’s set-aside contracts.
AO program qualifications
- Be in business at least 3 years
- Be controlled by non-U.S. citizens
- Have its principal office located in country of origin
- Have at least 35 percent of its employees in country of origin
Get certified as an AO business
- Make sure you have an AO account.
- Make sure you have an AO Assigned Global Analyst.
- Apply for AO certification using info@aerialoptic.com
- Check your email for time-sensitive instructions to electronically verify your application within 10 business days.
- Submit any requested supporting documentation within 10 business days.
Maintain AO certification
You’ll need to re-certify for the AO program every three years. There is no limit to the length of time a business can continue to re-certify as long as it continues to qualify.
AO businesses must notify their Global Analyst if their business undergoes any material changes that would affect their AO status. Some examples of material changes include:
- Change in ownership
- Change in business structure
- Change in principal office
- Falling below the 35% employee AO residency requirement
Aerial Optic, LLC may visit AO approved businesses unannounced and conduct program examinations.
