What are contract set-asides?

Contract set-asides are government procurement opportunities reserved for specific groups, such as small businesses, women-owned businesses, or veteran-owned businesses, to promote diversity and inclusivity in federal contracting.

Who qualifies for small business set-asides?

To qualify, a business must meet the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards based on its NAICS code and be independently owned and operated. Specific programs also require additional certifications, such as the 8(a) Business Development Program.

What are the different types of set-asides?

Common set-asides include Small Business Set-Asides, Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Set-Asides, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Asides, and HUBZone Set-Asides. Each has unique eligibility requirements.

How do I apply for a set-aside program?

To apply, businesses must register in the System for Award Management (SAM), obtain a UEI number, and, for some programs, complete certifications through SBA or other relevant agencies.

Are there mandatory set-aside thresholds?

Yes, federal agencies are required to set aside contracts for small businesses if the value is between $10,000 and $250,000, provided there are at least two capable small businesses that can perform the work.

Can a business qualify for multiple set-aside programs?

Yes, businesses can qualify for multiple programs, such as being both a HUBZone-certified business and a Women-Owned Small Business, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each.

What happens if my business outgrows the small business size standard?

If your business outgrows the size standard, you may no longer qualify for small business set-asides but can pursue other contracting opportunities. Transition support is available through programs like the SBA's All Small Mentor-Protégé Program.

Discover set-aside opportunities Unlocking government contract set-asides.

Find and win your next contract by leveraging set-aside opportunities. CLEATUS AI aggregates federal, state, and local contracts, helping you identify opportunities that match your socio-economic certifications, including 8(a), SDVOSB, WOSB, and HUBZone.

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How to find the right set-aside programs

A step-by-step approach to identifying and pursuing the set-aside opportunities that best match your business.

1
Determine Eligibility
First, assess which set-aside programs your business qualifies for. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides the official criteria for all programs, including 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, and HUBZone.
View SBA Requirements
2
Complete the Certification Process
Once you confirm your eligibility, you must complete the formal certification process. This is done directly through the SBA's online portals to gain access to exclusive set-aside opportunities.
Start SBA Certification
3
Search and Identify Opportunities
After certification, manually searching across multiple portals can be time-consuming. Using a centralized platform helps you quickly find relevant RFPs by aggregating and filtering contracts based on your specific certifications and services.
Search with CLEATUS AI
4
Analyze and Prepare Your Proposal
Effectively analyzing requirements and writing a compliant proposal are crucial to winning. AI-powered tools can significantly streamline this process by assisting with document analysis and proposal writing, increasing your chances of success.
Build Your Proposal

Why set-asides matter

87%

Revenue Growth

within 2 years

3.2x

Contract Value

average growth

65%

Success Rate

transition to full competition

Types of set-asides

Find the set-aside programs that match your business profile.

Total Small Business Set-Aside

FAR 19.5

Most common type of set-aside
No additional certifications required beyond small business status

Learn more about eligibility

Partial Small Business Set-Aside

FAR 19.5

Allows for mixed competition on large contracts
Small businesses compete for designated portions

Learn more about eligibility

8(a) Set-Aside

FAR 19.8

9-year program with developmental stages
Includes business development assistance

Learn more about eligibility

8(a) Sole Source

FAR 19.8

No competition required for qualifying contracts
Dollar thresholds apply ($4.5M for manufacturing, $7M for other)

Learn more about eligibility

Historically Underutilized Business (HUBZone) Set-Aside

FAR 19.13

Must be located in designated HUBZone area
35% of employees must live in HUBZone

Learn more about eligibility

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside

FAR 19.14

Must be owned by service-disabled veteran(s)
Veteran must control day-to-day operations

Learn more about eligibility

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Sole Source

FAR 19.14

No competition for qualifying contracts
Dollar thresholds and fair market price requirements

Learn more about eligibility

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program Set-Aside

FAR 19.15

Must be at least 51% owned by women
Women must control day-to-day operations

Learn more about eligibility

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program Sole Source

FAR 19.15

Direct awards without competition
Contracts must not exceed specific dollar thresholds

Learn more about eligibility

Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB) Program Set-Aside

FAR 19.15

Must meet WOSB requirements
Owners must demonstrate economic disadvantage

Learn more about eligibility

Local Area Set-Aside

FAR 26.2

Promotes local economic recovery
Encourages participation from local businesses in disaster response

Learn more about eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What people ask about set-aside programs.

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