Federal Set-Asides

Total Small Business Set-Aside

Total Small Business Set-Asides restrict competition exclusively to small businesses as defined by SBA size standards. These opportunities are among the most common set-aside types, representing a significant portion of federal contracting dollars directed to small enterprises.

Small Business Set-Aside (Partial)

Partial Small Business Set-Asides reserve a portion of a larger contract for small businesses while allowing full and open competition for the remainder. This enables agencies to meet small business goals on large acquisitions.

Emerging Small Business Set-Aside

Emerging Small Business set-asides target the smallest of small businesses, providing opportunities for firms that might not otherwise compete for federal contracts. These help very small companies gain initial federal experience.

Reserved for Small Business

Reserved for Small Business contracts are set aside for small businesses under FAR 19.5. Similar to Total Small Business set-asides but may have different evaluation criteria or bundling considerations.

8(a) Set-Aside

8(a) Business Development Program set-asides are reserved for firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The program provides mentoring, procurement assistance, and sole-source contracting opportunities up to $4.5M for goods and $7M for manufacturing.

8(a) Sole Source

8(a) Sole Source contracts are awarded directly to a single 8(a)-certified firm without competition. These are available for contracts below certain thresholds and provide a streamlined path for qualified disadvantaged businesses.

HUBZone Set-Aside

HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) set-asides are reserved for small businesses located in economically distressed areas. The program stimulates economic development in underserved communities through federal contracting preferences.

HUBZone Sole Source

HUBZone Sole Source contracts are awarded without competition to a single HUBZone-certified firm. Available when the contracting officer determines that only one responsible HUBZone firm can fulfill the requirement.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside

SDVOSB set-asides are reserved for small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. The federal government has a 3% contracting goal for SDVOSBs, and these set-asides help veteran entrepreneurs access federal markets.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Sole Source

SDVOSB Sole Source contracts provide direct awards to service-disabled veteran-owned businesses without competition, streamlining the procurement process for qualified veteran-owned firms.

Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside

VOSB set-asides reserve contract opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses. While less common than SDVOSB set-asides, these opportunities support the broader veteran business community.

Veteran-Owned Small Business Sole Source

VOSB Sole Source contracts are awarded directly to veteran-owned small businesses without competition, providing a streamlined procurement path for qualified veteran entrepreneurs.

Women-Owned Small Business Set-Aside

WOSB set-asides are restricted to women-owned small businesses in industries where women are substantially underrepresented. The program helps level the playing field for women entrepreneurs in federal contracting.

Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Set-Aside

EDWOSB set-asides provide contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses whose owners are economically disadvantaged. These contracts are available in both underrepresented and substantially underrepresented industries.

Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise Set-Aside

ISBEE set-asides support Indian-owned small businesses through dedicated federal contracting opportunities, particularly for work on or near Indian lands managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Indian Economic Enterprise Set-Aside

IEE set-asides reserve opportunities for Indian Economic Enterprises, supporting economic development in tribal communities through federal procurement preferences.

Buy Indian Set-Aside (Civilian)

Buy Indian civilian set-asides are authorized under the Buy Indian Act and reserve contracting opportunities at the Department of Interior and Indian Health Service for Indian-owned businesses.

Local Area Set-Aside

Local Area Set-Asides restrict competition to businesses within a specific geographic area, typically used for construction and service contracts where local knowledge or proximity is advantageous.