Programs and eligibility

Description

Programs and eligibility Small business programs are designed to create opportunity but navigating eligibility requirements can feel overwhelming. Our commitment is to help your business understand the available programs, their intended audience, and the qualifications required. Find the right program for your business We are committed to helping small businesses compete for federal contracts. In many cases, federal contracts are “set-aside” specifically for small businesses . This means only small businesses can compete for those opportunities. For contracts above the micro-purchase threshold, agencies are required to set them aside when there is a reasonable expectation of obtaining offers from two or more responsible small business concerns that are competitive in terms of fair market prices, quality, and delivery . Some opportunities are also reserved for businesses that qualify for specific programs, including: HUBZone businesses Service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, or SDVOSB Women-owned small businesses, or WOSB 8(a) small disadvantaged businesses Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, or SBIR and STTR Depending on the situation, contracts may be: Competed among small businesses Reserved for a specific program Awarded directly to a qualified small business These programs are designed to expand opportunities and increase participation across all types of small businesses. Pursuing the certifications that are applicable to your small business will increase your visibility to us and other government agencies. Annually, we have goals to award individual prime contracting and subcontracting dollars to small businesses. HUBZone program The primary goal of the HUBZone program is to stimulate economic growth, increase employment opportunities, and encourage capital investment in historically underutilized business zones. When seeking status as a HUBZone small business concern, the Small Business Administration, or SBA, will: Determine your status pursuant to 13 CFR part 126 Designate your business as such in its small business search , with the designation also appearing in SAM.gov To qualify for the HUBZone program , your business typically must: Be a small business according to SBA size standards Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Alaska Native corporation, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe Have your principal office located in a HUBZone Have at least 35% of your employees living in a HUBZone VOSB and SDVOSB program The veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small business programs are designed to assist eligible veteran-owned businesses in winning federal contracts. When seeking status as a VOSB or SDVOSB small business concern, the SBA will: Determine your status pursuant to 13 CFR part 128 Designate your business as such in its small business search , with the designation also appearing in SAM.gov . To qualify for the VOSB or SDVOSB program , your business typically must: Be a small business according to SBA size standards Be identified by the VA as a veteran or service-disabled veteran Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans for certification as a VOSB Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans rated as service-disabled by the VA for certification as a SDVOSB Otherwise comply with the eligibility requirements that can be found in this final rule published in the Federal Register For those veterans who are permanently and totally disabled and unable to manage the daily business operations of their business, their business may still qualify if their spouse or appointed, permanent caregiver is assisting in that management WOSB Program The primary goal of the women-owned small business program is to level the playing field for women business owners and ensure they have an equal opportunity to participate in federal contracting. When seeking status as a WOSB small business concern, the SBA will: Determine your status pursuant to 13 CFR part 127 Designate your business as such in its small business search, with the designation also appearing in SAM.gov . To qualify for the WOSB program , your business typically must: Be a small business according to SBA size standards Be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens Have women manage day-to-day operations who also make long-term decisions Satisfy additional requirements in order to qualify as an EDWOSB within the program 8(a) Program The 8(a) program provides nine years of targeted assistance — including training, counseling, and mentorship — to increase the ability of these businesses to win federal, sole-source, and set aside contracts. When seeking status as an 8(a) small business concern, the SBA will: Determine your status pursuant to 13 CFR part 124 Designate your business as such in its small business search, with the designa

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Source: us.gsa.buying