HUBZone Opportunities: Qualify & Win Federal Contracts

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What are the primary benefits of becoming a HUBZone certified business for federal contracting?

HUBZone certified businesses receive preferential consideration, are eligible to compete for program set-aside contracts, and get a 10% price evaluation preference in full-and-open competitions. They can also compete for contracts under other socio-economic programs if qualified.

2 What are the main eligibility requirements for HUBZone certification?

To qualify, a business must be small, at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens (or specific entities), have its principal office in a HUBZone, and have at least 35% of its employees live in a HUBZone.

3 How often do HUBZone certified businesses need to re-certify, and is there a time limit for participation?

Businesses 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 it continues to meet the qualification criteria.

4 How can FedBiz Access help businesses with HUBZone certification and federal contracting?

FedBiz Access assists small businesses with initial registration and certification filings, including evaluating qualification for HUBZone. They also provide market research to help businesses find the right federal buyers.