With the July HUBZone map release update, we wanted to take the opportunity to revisit what it takes to be a HUBZone business and share the benefits. If you meet the requirements below, and you still have questions, we would encourage you to reach out to your CIRAS Government Contracting Specialist or direct to the HUBZone team, on their weekly calls, on Tuesday and Thursday.
What is a HUBZone?
The HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) program is housed out of the Small Business Administration and is a federal program, which drives small business growth in historically underutilized business zones (reference the HUBZone map). The federal government’s goal is to award three percent of all prime and subcontracting dollars to businesses in the HUBZone program each year.
Updates: Preview the new HUBZONE map, scheduled to be released July 1, 2023 at the below link. Certified HUBZone firms that are no longer eligible on July 1, 2023 due to the map change may continue to participate in the HUBZone program through their following annual recertification.
Program Requirements:
- Be a small business according to SBA size standards
- Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Alaska Native corporation, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe
- Principal office located in a HUBZone*
- Have at least 35% of its employees living in a HUBZone
Program Benefits:
- Eligibility to compete for HUBZone set-aside contracts
- HUBZone-certified businesses also get a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions.
Visit the HUBZone website for their fact sheets, eligibility workbook, contact info and more here. You can also call into their weekly calls by following the info below:
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET via the toll-free number: 208-391-5817, use Conference ID: 278449067
For more information, reach out to your CIRAS Government Contracting Specialist or fill out our Request for Counseling form!