What is a HUBZone set-aside contract?

A HUBZone set-aside contract is reserved for businesses certified in SBA's Historically Underutilized Business Zone program. These contracts are restricted to HUBZone-certified firms, giving them a structural advantage in federal competition.

What is the 10% price evaluation preference for HUBZone?

On full-and-open competition contracts, HUBZone firms receive a 10% price evaluation preference. This means if a HUBZone firm bids $110,000 and a non-HUBZone firm bids $100,000, the HUBZone firm is evaluated as if they bid $99,000 — making them the apparent low bidder.

How does GovScout Pro find HUBZone contracts?

GovScout Pro searches SAM.gov and filters by HUBZone set-aside type. When you add your HUBZone certification to your profile, Marcus scores every opportunity as GO (HUBZone set-aside), TEAM (price preference applies in open competition), or PASS.

// HUBZONE FEDERAL CONTRACTS

HUBZone Certification Gives You
A Built-In Price Advantage.

HUBZone firms get set-aside contracts and a 10% price evaluation preference on open competition. GovScout Pro finds both — scored against your NAICS codes so you know exactly where you stand before opening the solicitation.

Find HUBZone Contracts — plans from $29/month How It Works

// THE HUBZONE ADVANTAGE

Two Ways HUBZone
Opens Federal Doors

HUBZone certification isn't just a set-aside program — it gives you a competitive pricing advantage on full-and-open contracts that no other small business certification provides.

📊 The 10% price evaluation preference

On full-and-open competition contracts, the government evaluates HUBZone bids as if they're 10% lower than submitted. If you bid $110,000 and a non-HUBZone competitor bids $100,000, you're evaluated at $99,000 — making you the apparent low bidder. This applies even when you're not in a set-aside.

HUBZone set-aside contracts

Contracting officers can set contracts aside exclusively for HUBZone firms when there are at least two qualified HUBZone businesses that can meet the requirement. These are restricted competition — only HUBZone-certified firms can bid. With less competition than open market contracts, your win probability is structurally higher.

HUBZone eligibility requirements

Principal office must be located in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone
At least 35% of employees must reside in a HUBZone
Small business under SBA size standards for your NAICS code
At least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Alaska Native Corporation, or an Indian tribe
Certified through SBA at certify.sba.gov (annual recertification required)

// HOW GOVSCOUT PRO HELPS

Find Every HUBZone Opportunity
In Your NAICS Codes

🗺️

Set-aside identification

Marcus filters SAM.gov results to HUBZone set-asides in your NAICS codes and marks them GO. You see your priority opportunities first — no manual filtering required.

📊

Price preference flag

On open competition contracts where your 10% price preference applies, Marcus flags them as TEAM with a note about the preference advantage — so you know where you have a built-in edge.

📋

RFP analysis

Upload any solicitation and Marcus explains requirements, competition level, your pricing position, and whether it's worth pursuing given your HUBZone status and other certifications.

📱

Daily HUBZone alerts

New HUBZone set-asides in your NAICS codes delivered to your email or Telegram every morning. Consistent monitoring without constant manual SAM.gov searches.

// FAQ

Common Questions

How do I check if my location qualifies as a HUBZone?

▾

Use SBA's HUBZone map at maps.certify.sba.gov/hubzone/map. Enter your principal office address to see if it falls within a designated HUBZone. HUBZone maps are updated periodically — zones can be added or removed.

What is the 35% employee residency requirement?

▾

At least 35% of your total employees must live in a HUBZone — not necessarily the same HUBZone where your principal office is located. Any qualifying HUBZone counts. This is a continuing requirement — you must maintain it to keep your certification active, and SBA can audit compliance.

Can HUBZone firms also have other certifications?

▾

Yes, and it's advantageous. HUBZone + SDVOSB, HUBZone + 8(a), HUBZone + WOSB — stacking certifications expands the pool of set-aside contracts you can compete on. GovScout Pro lets you enter all your certifications and scores every opportunity against your full eligibility profile.

Does the 10% price preference apply to all federal contracts?

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The 10% price evaluation preference applies to full-and-open competition contracts. It does not apply to set-aside contracts (where only HUBZone firms can bid) or contracts awarded under other set-aside programs. It's most valuable in large open-competition procurements where price is a significant evaluation factor.

How much does GovScout Pro cost?

▾

Plans start at $29/month for full access including SAM.gov search, daily alerts, RFP analysis, and Marcus AI. Cancel anytime through the Stripe customer portal — no contracts, no cancellation fees.

// GET STARTED

Your Location Is an Asset.
Let's Find the Contracts It Unlocks.

Plans start at $29/month. Cancel anytime. No SAM.gov key required.

Find HUBZone Contracts — plans from $29/month

HUBZone Certification Gives YouA Built-In Price Advantage.

Two Ways HUBZoneOpens Federal Doors