UKWhat is a set-aside contract?
A set-aside is a contract reserved for a specific category of small business — such as 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, or HUBZone firms. Competition is restricted to certified businesses in that category, dramatically reducing the field.
A set-aside reserves a contract for businesses holding a particular small-business certification. Because only certified firms can bid, set-asides are one of the fastest routes into federal work for newer small businesses.
The main programs are 8(a), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB/EDWOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOSB), and HUBZone.