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Finding 8(a), HUBZone and other set-aside contractors

What the SBA's 8(a) and HUBZone programs require, what agencies and primes get from them, and how to confirm a firm's status before you count it toward a goal.

Published November 5, 2026. 2 minute read.

Federal agencies, and prime contractors with subcontracting plans, have goals for spending with small and disadvantaged businesses. Set-aside programs are how much of that work is awarded. Here's what the two biggest SBA programs mean and how to check them.

SBA 8(a) Business Development

Who qualifies. A small business at least 51% unconditionally owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens, or by an Alaska Native Corporation, Native Hawaiian Organization, Community Development Corporation or Indian tribe. Economic disadvantage for individuals means personal net worth under $850,000, average adjusted gross income of $400,000 or less over three years, and total assets of $6.5 million or less. Firms generally need two years in business in their primary industry.

How long. Nine years: a four-year developmental stage and a five-year transitional stage, during which a growing share of revenue must come from outside the program.

What buyers get. Agencies can set contracts aside for 8(a) firms, or award sole-source contracts below set thresholds (generally $5.5 million including options, $8.5 million for manufacturing). Tribally owned and Alaska Native Corporation firms can receive larger sole-source awards.

What changed recently. Since a 2023 court ruling, SBA no longer presumes social disadvantage from race or ethnicity; individuals must show it. In August 2026 SBA issued a final rule with a new test for social disadvantage. See our news brief on the 2026 rule. Program rules are moving, so confirm current status before relying on it.

HUBZone

Who qualifies. A small business, at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens (or certain community, tribal or Native organizations), with its principal office in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone and at least 35% of employees living in a HUBZone.

What buyers get. HUBZone set-asides, and a 10% price evaluation preference for HUBZone firms in full and open competition. The government-wide goal is 3% of federal prime contract dollars to HUBZone firms.

Upkeep. Firms recertify every three years, and SBA can examine them at any time.

Other common certifications

  • WOSB and EDWOSB: women-owned small business set-asides, certified through SBA
  • SDVOSB and VOSB: service-disabled veteran-owned and veteran-owned small businesses, certified through SBA
  • DBE: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, used on federally funded transportation projects and certified by state unified certification programs
  • State and local MBE/WBE programs with their own certifying bodies

How to verify a firm's status

  1. Search the firm in SBA's Small Business Search, which shows current SBA certifications.
  2. Check the firm's SAM.gov registration for active status and the right NAICS codes. AV integration commonly falls under 238210 (electrical and other wiring installation contractors).
  3. Confirm the certification covers the entity on your contract, not an affiliate.
  4. Check the size standard for your contract's NAICS code. A firm can be small for one code and not another.

Finding firms on LevelRated and AVCleared

Contractors list their small business and diversity certifications along with licenses, insurance and clearances, and you can filter search by 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, VOSB, MBE, WBE and DBE alongside trade, location and certifications. Search 8(a) and HUBZone firms (company account required).

Sources

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