Contracts by Set-Aside Type
Federal agencies set aside certain contracts exclusively for eligible small businesses. Browse source-labeled opportunities, then verify your status and the current solicitation.
What is a Set-Aside?
A set-aside restricts competition for a contract to businesses that meet certain eligibility criteria. This helps small and disadvantaged businesses compete for federal contracts. Requirements vary by program and solicitation.
A "Full & Open Competition" is not reserved to a particular small-business program, but the solicitation still controls responsibility, eligibility, and offer requirements.
Set-Aside Programs
Small Business
Contracts exclusively available to businesses meeting SBA small business size standards
Common Eligibility Factors:
- Meet SBA size standards for your primary NAICS code
- Meet the ownership, affiliation, and operation rules in the applicable SBA size regulations
- Be independently owned and operated
- + 1 more requirements
8(a) Program
Set-aside for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses in the 9-year 8(a) program
Common Eligibility Factors:
- At least 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals
- Personal net worth under $850,000
- Meet SBA small business size standards
- + 2 more requirements
HUBZone
Set-aside for small businesses located in economically distressed areas
Common Eligibility Factors:
- Principal office located in a HUBZone
- At least 35% of employees reside in a HUBZone
- Meet SBA small business size standards
- + 1 more requirements
SDVOSB
Set-aside for small businesses owned by veterans with service-connected disabilities
Common Eligibility Factors:
- At least 51% owned by service-disabled veterans
- Daily business operations controlled by service-disabled veterans
- Meet SBA small business size standards
- + 1 more requirements
WOSB
Set-aside for small businesses at least 51% owned by women
Common Eligibility Factors:
- At least 51% owned by one or more women
- Controlled by one or more women (daily management and long-term decision making)
- Meet SBA small business size standards
- + 1 more requirements
EDWOSB
Set-aside for WOSBs owned by economically disadvantaged women
Common Eligibility Factors:
- Meet all WOSB requirements
- Personal net worth under $850,000 (excluding primary residence and business)
- Adjusted gross income under $400,000 averaged over 3 years
- + 1 more requirements
VOSB
Set-aside for small businesses owned by veterans (primarily VA contracts)
Common Eligibility Factors:
- At least 51% owned by one or more veterans
- Controlled by veterans (daily management)
- Meet SBA small business size standards
- + 1 more requirements
🌐Full & Open Competition
Full-and-open opportunities are not restricted to one small-business program. Review the official notice for qualification, responsibility, registration, and submission requirements.
Browse all contracts →Getting Certified
Certification requirements and processes vary by program. Most certifications are managed through the SBA or specific agency programs.