Government Contract Set-Asides 2025: Complete Guide to Small Business Programs
Understand all federal small business set-aside programs: 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, and general small business. Learn eligibility, benefits, and how to find set-aside contracts.
What Are Government Contract Set-Asides?
Set-asides are contracts reserved exclusively for specific types of small businesses. Instead of competing against large corporations, you only compete against other qualified small businesses. The federal government has a 23% small business contracting goal, with additional sub-goals for specific categories. Set-asides are your competitive advantage as a small business.
Federal Small Business Contracting Goals
Congress mandates specific percentages of federal contract dollars go to small businesses. Agencies are evaluated on meeting these goals.
| Category | Goal | Annual $ (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| All Small Business | 23% | $160+ billion |
| 8(a) Small Disadvantaged | 5% | $35+ billion |
| Women-Owned (WOSB) | 5% | $35+ billion |
| Service-Disabled Veteran (SDVOSB) | 3% | $21+ billion |
| HUBZone | 3% | $21+ billion |
Small Business Set-Aside
The baseline set-aside for all qualifying small businesses. No special certification needed— just meet size standards for your NAICS code.
Requirements
- ✓Meet SBA size standard for contract's NAICS code
- ✓Active SAM.gov registration
- ✓Self-certify as small in SAM.gov
No certification required. You automatically qualify based on your business size.
8(a) Business Development Program
Who Qualifies
- →Socially disadvantaged owner (racial minority or documented bias)
- →Economically disadvantaged (net worth under $850K)
- →Small business (under size standards)
- →51%+ owned and controlled by qualifying individual
Benefits
- $Sole-source contracts up to $4.5M (services)
- $8(a) competitive set-asides (no limit)
- →9-year program with mentoring
- →Mentor-Protégé JV opportunities
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB/EDWOSB)
Who Qualifies
- →51%+ owned by women (U.S. citizens)
- →Controlled and managed by women
- →Small business (under size standards)
- →EDWOSB: additional economic thresholds
Benefits
- $Sole-source up to $4.5M (services)
- →WOSB competitive set-asides
- →Available in underrepresented industries
- →EDWOSB accesses more industries
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
Who Qualifies
- →51%+ owned by service-disabled veteran(s)
- →Disability incurred in military service
- →Controlled and managed by SDVO
- →Small business (under size standards)
Benefits
- $Sole-source up to $4.5M (services)
- →SDVOSB competitive set-asides
- →VA SDVOSB preference
- →Available in all industries
HUBZone Program
Who Qualifies
- →Principal office in HUBZone
- →35%+ employees live in HUBZone
- →51%+ U.S. citizen owned
- →Small business (under size standards)
Benefits
- $Sole-source up to $4.5M (services)
- →HUBZone competitive set-asides
- %10% price evaluation preference
- →Available in all industries
Program Comparison
| Feature | 8(a) | WOSB | SDVOSB | HUBZone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Goal | 5% | 5% | 3% | 3% |
| Sole Source Limit (Services) | $4.5M | $4.5M | $4.5M | $4.5M |
| Price Preference | — | — | — | 10% |
| Program Duration | 9 years | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Certification Required | Yes (SBA) | Yes (SBA) | Yes (SBA) | Yes (SBA) |
Finding Set-Aside Contracts
Where to Search
Set-Aside Search Tips
- 1.Filter by set-aside type matching your certification
- 2.Check both "Set-Aside" and "Sole Source" notices
- 3.Set up email alerts for your categories
- 4.Monitor Sources Sought/RFI for upcoming opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hold multiple certifications?
Yes—you can hold 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, and HUBZone certifications simultaneously if you meet all eligibility requirements. Multiple certifications maximize your opportunities.
How do I know if I'm "small"?
Your size is determined by the NAICS code of the contract you're bidding on. Each NAICS has a size standard (revenue or employees). Check SBA size standards tables for your specific industry.
Are set-asides only for federal contracts?
Federal set-asides are the most formalized. Many states have similar programs (DBE, SBE, MBE, WBE) with their own certifications. BidFinds includes both federal and state/local opportunities.
What is sole-source authority?
Sole-source means an agency can award a contract directly to you without competition. This is limited to dollar thresholds ($4.5M services, $7M manufacturing) and requires agency determination that it's in the government's interest.
Find Set-Aside Contracts Today
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