Subpart 19.13
Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program
FAR Subpart 19.13 provides the framework for increasing federal contracting opportunities for HUBZone-certified small businesses through set-asides, sole-source awards, and price preferences.
Overview
FAR Subpart 19.13 establishes the policies and procedures for the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program, which is designed to promote economic development and employment growth in distressed areas by providing federal contracting opportunities to qualified HUBZone small business concerns. This subpart outlines the eligibility requirements for HUBZone status, exclusions, set-aside and sole-source award procedures, price evaluation preferences, and required contract clauses. It serves as a comprehensive guide for contracting officers and contractors on how to implement and comply with the HUBZone Program within the federal acquisition process.
Key Rules
- General Policy (19.1301)
- Establishes the purpose and scope of the HUBZone Program within federal contracting.
- Status as a HUBZone Small Business Concern (19.1303)
- Details the criteria and certification process for businesses to qualify as HUBZone small business concerns.
- Exclusions (19.1304)
- Identifies circumstances where the HUBZone Program does not apply.
- Set-Aside Procedures (19.1305)
- Provides procedures for setting aside contracts exclusively for HUBZone small businesses.
- Sole-Source Awards (19.1306)
- Outlines conditions under which contracts may be awarded on a sole-source basis to HUBZone firms.
- Price Evaluation Preference (19.1307)
- Describes the price evaluation preference given to HUBZone small businesses in full and open competitions.
- Contract Clauses (19.1309)
- Lists the required contract clauses for HUBZone procurements.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must determine HUBZone eligibility, apply set-aside or sole-source procedures, and include appropriate clauses.
- Contractors: Must maintain HUBZone certification and comply with program requirements.
- Agencies: Oversee implementation and ensure compliance with HUBZone regulations.
Practical Implications
- The HUBZone Program aims to stimulate economic growth in underutilized areas by increasing federal contracting opportunities for eligible small businesses.
- Contractors must ensure ongoing compliance with HUBZone requirements to maintain eligibility.
- Contracting officers must be diligent in applying set-aside, sole-source, and evaluation preference rules to maximize program effectiveness.