HUBZone Opportunities

The federal government’s goal is to award at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to historically underutilized business zones (“HUBZone”) certified small businesses every year. In 2021, HUBZone certified businesses received a historic $14.3 billion in federal contract awards, but still under its 3% spending goal (only 2.5% of spending).

The federal government gives preferential consideration to HUBZone certified businesses, which are eligible to compete for the program’s set-aside contracts. HUBZone certified businesses also get a 10% price evaluation preference in full-and-open contract competitions, whereby they can charge up to 10% more than their competition and still be rated at the same level.

HUBZone certified businesses can also compete for contract awards under other socio-economic programs they qualify for, such as 8(a), Women-Owned Small Business, and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business.

HUBZone program qualifications:

• Be a small business (click this link to access the size standards)

• Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe

• Have your principal office located in a HUBZone (click the link for a geographical map of the qualified HUBZone areas across the U.S.)

• Have at least 35% of your employees live in a HUBZone

• You can find the full qualification criteria in Title 13 Part 126 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

• You’ll need to re-certify for the HUBZone program every three years. There is no limit to the length of time a business can continue to re-certify as long as you continue to qualify

FedBiz Access works with small business to help them establish their foundation with the federal government through their initial registration and certification filings, as well as market research to find the right buyers. FedBiz Access can help you evaluate if you are qualified for a HUBZone Certification and walk you through the registration process. FedBiz Access helps companies build a clear path from registration to award.