What is a Set-Aside?
Also known as: Small business set-aside
A set-aside is a contract reserved exclusively for a specific category of business — most often small businesses, or sub-categories like 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, or HUBZone — so that only qualifying firms may compete.
Common set-aside types
- Total Small Business Set-Aside — open to all qualifying small businesses.
- 8(a) — for firms in SBA's 8(a) Business Development program.
- WOSB / EDWOSB — Women-Owned and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business.
- SDVOSB / VOSB — Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business.
- HUBZone — firms located in and employing people from Historically Underutilized Business Zones.
Why set-asides matter
Set-asides dramatically reduce your competition by limiting the pool to qualifying firms. Identifying opportunities set aside for categories you qualify for is one of the fastest ways to improve win probability.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I qualify for a set-aside?
Your size and socio-economic status are tied to your SAM.gov registration and the NAICS code's size standard. Make sure your certifications (8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone) are active before bidding a set-aside.
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