Small Business Set-Asides

Federal contracting categories that restrict competition to qualifying small businesses.

Why It Matters

The major designations: 8(a) (disadvantaged businesses in the SBA mentorship program), HUBZone (businesses in historically underutilized areas), SDVOSB (service-disabled veteran-owned), and WOSB (women-owned). Each has different eligibility rules, and agencies have annual targets for small business spending. Set-asides can be a powerful market entry strategy.

Related Terms

FAR GovCon SAM.gov

Official Sources

Contracting Assistance Programs — SBA.gov sba.gov Types of Set-Aside Contracts — SBA.gov sba.gov FAR Part 19 — Small Business Programs acquisition.gov

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