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 a WOSB set-aside?

A WOSB set-aside is a contract limited to firms in SBA's Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract program, in industries (NAICS codes) where SBA has found women-owned small businesses underrepresented. Some are limited further to economically disadvantaged WOSBs (EDWOSBs), and firms must be certified through SBA Certifications (or an SBA-approved third-party certifier) to compete.

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 a WOSB set-aside?

A WOSB set-aside is a contract limited to firms in SBA's Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract program, in industries (NAICS codes) where SBA has found women-owned small businesses underrepresented. Some are limited further to economically disadvantaged WOSBs (EDWOSBs), and firms must be certified through SBA Certifications (or an SBA-approved third-party certifier) to compete.

What is the SBA 8(a) program?

As of 12 November 2026: 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.

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

Steps

Identify your primary NAICS code(s).
Register your business in SAM.gov.
Use the eligibility questionnaire on SBA Certifications for a preliminary check.
Apply for 8(a) certification through SBA Certifications; SBA has 90 days to decide once the application is complete.

What do the official sources say?

Source	What it says	Read
SBA, 8(a) Business Development program	"Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged"	12 November 2026
SBA, 8(a) Business Development program	"8(a) certification lasts for a maximum of nine years. The first four years are considered a development stage and the last five years are considered a transitional stage."	12 November 2026
FAR 19.805-1 General (8(a) competitive thresholds)	"The anticipated total value of the contract, including options, will exceed $8.5 million for acquisitions assigned manufacturing North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and $5.5 million for all other acquisitions."	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 a WOSB set-aside?: A WOSB set-aside is a contract limited to firms in SBA's Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract program, in industries (NAICS codes) where SBA has found women-owned small businesses underrepresented. Some are limited further to economically disadvantaged WOSBs (EDWOSBs), and firms must be certified through SBA Certifications (or an SBA-approved third-party certifier) to compete.

Find open contracts for your trade

Search the open federal contract opportunities on Bid Watch US, read every day from SAM.gov public data. Free, no account; a Monday email for your trade and state if you want one.

More help

All questions in the help center · How to find government contracts to bid on

This page restates official sources; it is not legal advice. Bid Watch US is run by Bikoosh, an independent tracker, not affiliated with SAM.gov or the US government.