The federal government is legally required to award a significant portion of its contracts to small businesses. On top of that, certain categories of small businesses get exclusive access to contracts that are "set aside" — meaning only certified businesses in that category can compete.
Why Set-Asides Matter
A set-aside contract has a dramatically smaller competition pool. Instead of competing against every business in the country, you're competing only against other certified firms in your category. For an 8(a) sole-source award, you may be the only bidder.
8(a) Business Development Program
The SBA's 8(a) program is designed for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
What you get:
- Sole-source contracts up to $4.5M (goods/services) or $7M (manufacturing)
- Competitive set-aside contracts restricted to 8(a) firms only
- Business development training and mentorship from the SBA
- Access to the Mentor-Protégé program
Basic eligibility:
- 51%+ owned by a U.S. citizen who is socially and economically disadvantaged
- Personal net worth under $850,000 (excluding home equity and business value)
- In business for at least 2 years
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
What you get:
- SDVOSB set-aside contracts across all federal agencies
- VA sole-source contracts up to $5M
Basic eligibility:
- 51%+ owned by one or more service-disabled veterans
- Day-to-day management controlled by a service-disabled veteran
- Verified disability rating from the VA or DoD
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
What you get:
- WOSB set-aside contracts in designated NAICS codes
- Sole-source contracts up to $4.5M (or $7M for manufacturing)
Basic eligibility:
- 51%+ owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens
- Women must manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions
HUBZone
What you get:
- HUBZone set-aside contracts
- 10% price evaluation preference in full-and-open competitions
- Sole-source contracts up to $4.5M
Basic eligibility:
- Principal office located in a HUBZone
- At least 35% of employees must reside in a HUBZone
Check if your address qualifies using the SBA HUBZone map.
How to Use Your Certifications
- Monitor set-aside opportunities daily — filter for your certification type
- Respond to Sources Sought — identify yourself as certified and recommend a set-aside
- Market directly to agencies — contracting officers actively look for certified vendors
- Keep your SAM.gov registration current — expired registration means you can't be awarded
Find set-aside contracts matched to your certifications
GovBidWatch shows set-aside status on every matched opportunity — so you instantly know when a contract is restricted to your certification type. 10-day free trial, no credit card required.
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