Government Set-Aside Programs

The federal government reserves billions in contracts for qualifying small businesses. Find out which programs you're eligible for and start bidding.

SB8aHZWOSBSDVO
SB

Small Business Set-Aside

The most common set-aside type. Federal agencies are required to set aside contracts for small businesses when there is a reasonable expectation that at least two responsible small businesses will submit competitive offers. In FY2024, over $160 billion in federal contracts went to small businesses.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Meet SBA size standards for your NAICS code
  • Organized for profit and located in the U.S.
  • Independently owned and operated
  • Not dominant in the field of operation
PRO TIP: Almost every small business qualifies. If you meet the SBA size standard for your industry, you can compete for these contracts right away — no special certification needed.
Browse SB Contracts
8a

8(a) Business Development Program

A 9-year program that helps socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs compete for federal contracts. 8(a) firms can receive sole-source contracts up to $4.5M for goods/services and $7M for manufacturing — meaning no competition required.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Unconditionally owned by socially & economically disadvantaged individuals
  • Owner must have a personal net worth under $850K (excluding home & business)
  • Business must be a small business per SBA size standards
  • Owner must demonstrate good character
  • Business must show potential for success (typically 2+ years in operation)
PRO TIP: Sole-source contracts are the biggest advantage — agencies can award directly to your firm without a full bidding process. Many 8(a) firms build their entire pipeline around sole-source awards.
Browse 8a Contracts
HZ

HUBZone Program

The HUBZone program stimulates economic development in historically underutilized business zones. HUBZone firms receive a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competitions and can receive sole-source contracts up to $4.5M (services) or $7M (manufacturing).

Eligibility Requirements

  • Principal office located in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone
  • At least 35% of employees reside in a HUBZone
  • Owned and controlled by U.S. citizens
  • Certified as small under SBA size standards
PRO TIP: Use the SBA HUBZone map tool to check if your office and employees are in qualifying zones. Many rural and urban areas qualify — you might already be eligible.
Browse HZ Contracts
WOSB

Women-Owned Small Business

The WOSB Federal Contracting Program provides set-asides for women-owned businesses in industries where women are underrepresented. Economically Disadvantaged WOSBs (EDWOSBs) have access to even more set-aside opportunities. The federal goal is 5% of contracting dollars to WOSBs.

Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women
  • Women must manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions
  • Must be a small business under SBA size standards
  • Self-certification available, or use SBA-approved certifier
PRO TIP: Self-certification is free through SAM.gov — no third-party certifier required. Make sure to also register as an EDWOSB if you qualify, as it opens additional set-aside categories.
Browse WOSB Contracts
SDVO

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

SDVOSB set-asides help service-disabled veterans compete for federal contracts. The federal government's goal is 3% of all contracting dollars to SDVOSBs. These contracts can be sole-sourced up to $4.5M (services) or $7M (manufacturing).

Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 51% owned by one or more service-disabled veterans
  • Managed and controlled in daily operations by service-disabled veterans
  • Must be a small business under SBA size standards
  • Must be verified through SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert)
PRO TIP: VA contracts heavily favor SDVOSBs — the VA sets aside a large portion of its budget specifically for verified SDVOSBs. If you serve the healthcare, facilities, or IT sectors, VA is a great starting agency.
Browse SDVO Contracts

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