Federal Set-Aside Program
HUBZone Program (HUBZone)
A program for small businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones, offering set-asides, sole-source, and a 10% price evaluation preference.
Who qualifies
- Small under your primary NAICS size standard
- Principal office located in a designated HUBZone
- At least 35% of employees reside in a HUBZone
- Owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Alaska Native Corporation, or an Indian tribe
How to get certified
Apply through the SBA at certify.SBA.gov. HUBZone status must be recertified, and you must maintain the 35%-employee-residency requirement throughout performance.
Key benefits
- HUBZone set-aside competition
- Sole-source awards up to $4.5M (services) / $7M (manufacturing)
- A 10% price evaluation preference in full-and-open competitions (your price is treated as 10% lower vs non-HUBZone large businesses)
Sole-source authority
HUBZone sole-source is available up to $4.5M (services/supplies) and $7M (manufacturing) when only one HUBZone firm can perform at a fair price.
Common questions
How do I find out if my office is in a HUBZone?
Use the SBA’s HUBZone map. Designations change over time, so confirm your address is currently in a qualified area before relying on it.
What’s the hardest part of staying HUBZone-certified?
The 35% employee-residency requirement — you must keep at least 35% of your workforce living in HUBZones as you grow and hire.
Related programs
Bidding a HUBZone set-aside?
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Start free →See all federal set-aside programs, the NAICS code guides, or the contracting glossary.