HUBZone Program (HUBZone)
A federal set-aside program for small businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones with the majority of employees living in those zones.
Definition
The HUBZone Program is administered by the SBA. Certified HUBZone firms can compete for HUBZone-only set-aside contracts, receive sole-source awards up to $4M ($7M for manufacturing), and benefit from a 10% price evaluation preference on full-and-open competitions.
When it applies
Eligible firms must (1) maintain a principal office in a designated HUBZone, (2) have at least 35% of employees residing in a HUBZone, (3) be at least 51% owned and controlled by US citizens, and (4) meet SBA size standards. HUBZone designations include qualified census tracts, qualified non-metropolitan counties, certain Indian reservations, and qualified base closure areas. The SBA HUBZone map is the authoritative source. Certification is renewed every three years.