HUBZone Program and Certification | GovCon Glossary

HUBZone

The Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program is a federal contracting program administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The HUBZone program helps small businesses located in economically distressed areas gain preferential access to federal contracts. The goal is to stimulate economic development and create jobs in underutilized communities.

What is a HUBZone

The HUBZone meaning is tied to geography and economic need. A HUBZone is a designated area where small businesses can qualify for federal contracting benefits if they meet location and employment requirements. Businesses must have their principal office located in a HUBZone and at least 35 percent of their employees must live in a HUBZone.

HUBZone Certification

To participate in the program, companies must obtain HUBZone certification from the SBA. Certification involves proving eligibility based on business size, ownership, principal office location, and employee residency. Once certified, a HUBZone small business can compete for set-aside contracts and receive a price evaluation preference in full and open competitions.

HUBZone Map and HUBZone Prime Map

The SBA maintains an official HUBZone map that identifies qualifying areas, including census tracts, counties, Indian reservations, and military base closure areas. Contractors use the HUBZone map to determine eligibility and plan business strategies.

The HUBZone prime map is a related resource showing HUBZone-certified prime contractors. The HUBZone map 2024 will reflect updated designations as areas are reviewed and updated by the SBA.

HUBZone Program Benefits

The HUBZone program provides significant contracting advantages for small businesses:

• Exclusive access to HUBZone set-aside contracts

• Price evaluation preference of 10 percent in full and open competitions

• Eligibility to serve as subcontractors to large businesses seeking to meet small business goals

• Support for local economic development in disadvantaged areas
  
  

SBA HUBZone Support

The SBA HUBZone program provides guidance, certification support, and resources to small businesses. SBA district offices and online tools, such as the HUBZone map, make it easier for firms to check eligibility and maintain compliance.

How GovDash Helps HUBZone Businesses

Pursuing and winning HUBZone contracts requires strong proposals that emphasize compliance and value. GovDash helps HUBZone-certified small businesses create compliant proposals faster by generating compliance matrices, organizing proposal responses, and streamlining the capture process. With GovDash, HUBZone firms can focus on demonstrating value to government agencies while reducing administrative burden.

Final Thoughts

The HUBZone program levels the playing field by giving small businesses in underutilized areas greater access to federal contracting opportunities. With SBA HUBZone certification, small businesses can compete more effectively, gain set-aside contracts, and support their local communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a HUBZone?
A HUBZone is a Historically Underutilized Business Zone, designated by the SBA to promote economic growth in distressed areas.

How do I get HUBZone certification?
Businesses apply through the SBA, showing eligibility based on location, employee residency, ownership, and size standards.

What is the HUBZone map?
The HUBZone map is an SBA tool that shows which areas qualify for HUBZone status. It is updated periodically, including a HUBZone map 2024 with the latest designations.

What is the HUBZone prime map?
The HUBZone prime map shows certified HUBZone prime contractors, helping agencies and businesses identify potential partners.

What are the benefits of the HUBZone program?
Benefits include access to set-aside contracts, a 10 percent price preference in open competitions, and opportunities to strengthen disadvantaged communities.