What is a small business set-aside?

A small business set-aside limits a federal acquisition exclusively to small business concerns. It can be total or partial, and set-aside solicitations must state the NAICS code and size standard that define who counts as small.

What is the rule of two?

It is the common name for the FAR requirement to set aside an acquisition for small business when the contracting officer reasonably expects offers from at least two responsible small businesses and award at fair market prices. Under FAR 19.502-2, acquisitions above the micro-purchase threshold up to the simplified acquisition threshold are set aside unless that expectation is lacking, and acquisitions above the threshold are set aside when it exists.

What is the SBA 8(a) program?

The 8(a) Business Development program is an SBA program for small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Certified firms can compete for 8(a) set-aside and sole-source contracts (sole source up to $8.5 million for manufacturing NAICS codes and $5.5 million for others) and get business development help during a maximum nine-year term.

What is a small business set-aside?

A small business set-aside limits a federal acquisition exclusively to small business concerns. It can be total or partial, and set-aside solicitations must state the NAICS code and size standard that define who counts as small.

What is the rule of two?

It is the common name for the FAR requirement to set aside an acquisition for small business when the contracting officer reasonably expects offers from at least two responsible small businesses and award at fair market prices. Under FAR 19.502-2, acquisitions above the micro-purchase threshold up to the simplified acquisition threshold are set aside unless that expectation is lacking, and acquisitions above the threshold are set aside when it exists.

What is the SBA 8(a) program?

The 8(a) Business Development program is an SBA program for small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Certified firms can compete for 8(a) set-aside and sole-source contracts (sole source up to $8.5 million for manufacturing NAICS codes and $5.5 million for others) and get business development help during a maximum nine-year term.

What is a HUBZone?

As of 12 November 2026: A HUBZone is a historically underutilized business zone. SBA's HUBZone program lets certified small businesses compete for HUBZone set-aside contracts and gives them a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competitions. To qualify, a business must be small, at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens (or certain listed organizations), have its principal office in a HUBZone, and have at least 35% of its employees living in a HUBZone.

Updated 12 November 2026, checked against the official sources below.

Steps

Check the HUBZone map to see if your principal office and employees are in a HUBZone.
Confirm ownership and the 35% employee residency requirement.
Create an SBA account and apply at SBA Certifications.
Recertify every three years to stay in the program.

What do the official sources say?

Source	What it says	Read
SBA, HUBZone program	"HUBZone-certified businesses also get a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions."	12 November 2026
SBA, HUBZone program	"Have at least 35% of its employees living in a HUBZone"	12 November 2026
SBA, HUBZone program	"You’ll need to recertify for the HUBZone program every three years."	12 November 2026

Questions people also ask

What is a small business set-aside?: A small business set-aside limits a federal acquisition exclusively to small business concerns. It can be total or partial, and set-aside solicitations must state the NAICS code and size standard that define who counts as small.
What is the rule of two?: It is the common name for the FAR requirement to set aside an acquisition for small business when the contracting officer reasonably expects offers from at least two responsible small businesses and award at fair market prices. Under FAR 19.502-2, acquisitions above the micro-purchase threshold up to the simplified acquisition threshold are set aside unless that expectation is lacking, and acquisitions above the threshold are set aside when it exists.
What is the SBA 8(a) program?: The 8(a) Business Development program is an SBA program for small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Certified firms can compete for 8(a) set-aside and sole-source contracts (sole source up to $8.5 million for manufacturing NAICS codes and $5.5 million for others) and get business development help during a maximum nine-year term.

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