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We are pleased to announce that the Small Business Administration (SBA) recertified A2 Federal’s continued eligibility for the 8(a) Business Development Program, in compliance with recent challenges posed by a court injunction and order, issued by the District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. A2 Federal met the new 8(a) Business Development Program’s Social Disadvantage Requirement and remains as a participant in the 8(a) program.
On July 19, 2023, the court issued an injunction that halted the SBA from using the rebuttable presumption to identify socially disadvantaged 8(a) program applicants, affecting both potential and current 8(a) Business Development program participants. The court’s decision now requires 8(a) Business Development program participants to establish social disadvantage by a preponderance of evidence, rather than relying on the presumption that members of certain ethnic groups are socially disadvantaged.
The 8(a) Business Development program ensures socially, and economically disadvantaged individuals gain equitable access to contracting opportunities in the federal marketplace. Program participants are eligible to receive federal contracting preferences and receive training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy. Thus, the recent court injunction and order left many uncertain and pondering the future of this vital program.
A2 Federal wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the entirety of the SBA for their professionalism, compassion, and responsiveness in reviewing and recertifying 8(a) participants through a process consistent with the court’s order.
We remain committed to excellence, professionalism, and diversity to our Government and industry partners across the numerous missions we support. Our journey is just beginning, and we look forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead.
We invite you to stay tuned for more updates and insights, as we continue to forge our path forward!
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Chief Operating Officer
As the Chief Operating Officer of A2 Federal, Gabriel Cosentino develops and standardizes operational best practices that enable A2 Federal to provide innovative and compliant solutions to Government and industry partners. While being responsible for day-to-day operations across all programs, Mr. Cosentino oversees A2 Federal’s revenue management and financial strategy to posture A2 Federal for future opportunities. Joining A2 Federal was the next step in Mr. Cosentino’s endeavor to contribute to the mission. He believes the increasingly dynamic operating environment demands equally dynamic solutions, and strives to forge the next generation of the United States’ security efforts.
Mr. Cosentino is an Intelligence Professional having served within several organizations within the Intelligence Community from the Department of Energy to two Combatant Commands with the Defense Intelligence Agency. Mr. Cosentino is an all-source analyst by trade and has supported numerous strategic intelligence requirements.
Mr. Cosentino graduated from Florida International University, where he received his Bachelor’s in International Relations with a focus on National Security Studies. Throughout his time in Academia, he joined FIU’s Office of the Director of National Intelligence-sponsored Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence Intelligence Fellowship program, where he received mentorship from Intelligence professionals and rigorous training on analytic tradecraft.
President and Chief Executive Officer
As the President and Chief Executive Officer of A2 Federal, Gary Ackerman leads and guides the vision and mission of A2 Federal to ensure its continued success across all levels of operations. Mr. Ackerman sought to create a firm dedicated to giving back to its people, and the nation’s security.
Mr. Ackerman is a retired Air Force service member, having contributed to numerous intelligence and operational missions. As an Air Force service member assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations, Mr. Ackerman served as an Operations Coordinator implementing and guiding operations across several areas of responsibilities. Following a two-decade military career, Mr. Ackerman continued his service as a Federal Contractor managing numerous intelligence and defense programs, as a Program Manager and later, Capture Manager.
Mr. Ackerman received his Associate’s in Information Resource Management from the Community College of the Air Force, and later attended a wide array Air Force and DIA leadership and operational courses. Additionally, Mr. Ackerman attended the Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute’s Foreign Language School where he studied French.
Executive Vice President
As the Executive Vice President of A2 Federal, Carlos Salvat focuses on developing and implementing the firm’s strategic vision to ensure A2 Federal remains postured to combat the multi-faceted threats facing the nation. Remaining abreast of intelligence and defense challenges, Mr. Salvat preserves A2 Federal’s world-class defense and intelligence expertise to advance the firm’s support to its government and industry partners across the U.S. intelligence community and defense enterprise.
Mr. Salvat is a career Intelligence professional having served within the ranks of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Stationed at U.S. Central Command, Mr. Salvat served within the Mission Management, Joint Target Intelligence Career Field/Specialty. Mr. Salvat worked closely with HQs, Command, and deployed units supporting counterterrorism operations and strategic planning efforts.
Mr. Salvat graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s in International Relations and minor in Political Science. Throughout his time at FIU, Mr. Salvat developed a passion for public service and joined FIU’s Office of the Director of National Intelligence-sponsored Intelligence Community Centers for Academic Excellence Intelligence Fellowship program where he later obtained an academic certificate in National Security Studies, and executive certificates in Global Security & Public Policy and Russian Language.
