PrimeRFP SCOUT · Federal Set-Aside Program

HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) (HUBZone)

Federal contracts reserved for small businesses in economically disadvantaged HUBZone areas — a niche program with a 3% goal and 10% price evaluation preference.

$684M

TTM Obligated

0.09%

% of Federal (TTM)

1,452

Awards ≥$100K

DoD

Top Agency

90 days · $90 · no annual contract · cancel anytime

What is HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone)?

Federal contracts reserved for small businesses in economically disadvantaged HUBZone areas — a niche program with a 3% goal and 10% price evaluation preference.

Certification Process

Register with SBA's HUBZone Program, prove 51%+ ownership by HUBZone resident(s), have principal place of business in designated HUBZone, meet small business size standards, and obtain SBA HUBZone certification online. Approval takes 3-5 weeks.

Business Development Strategy

HUBZone reached 2.66% of eligible contracting in FY2025 — still short of the 3% goal, but up from the FY2024 share. SBA did not publish a HUBZone dollar total; ~$17B is derived from 2.66% of the ~$639B eligible prime base. The 10% price preference remains the key competitive edge.

Top Agencies Buying HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone)

RankAgencySCOUT TTM
#1Department of Defense$300M
#2Department of Homeland Security$117M
#3Department of Labor$66M
#4Department of Transportation$38M

Designated HUBZone set-aside obligations · Aug 2025 – Aug 2026

Market Opportunity

Current designated market (SCOUT TTM)

$684M

0.09% of federal TTM · 1,452 awards ≥$100K

Momentum inside the window

CY2025 $0.4B → CY2026 (partial) $0.3B

Calendar buckets from the same TTM extract — not full fiscal years

Official annual picture (SBA)

~$17B · ~3% CAGR

FY2025 Procurement Scorecard

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as a HUBZone and who can participate?

A HUBZone is a federally-designated economically disadvantaged area (rural, base closure, or Indian reservation). Your business must have principal place of business in a HUBZone and be 51%+ owned/controlled by HUBZone resident(s). Check SBA.gov/hubzone for designated zones.

What is the 10% price preference for HUBZone?

In competitive federal procurements, HUBZone-certified firms receive a 10% price evaluation preference — meaning a HUBZone bid can be up to 10% higher and still be competitive. This significantly improves win rates on competitive work.

How is HUBZone different from other small business set-asides?

HUBZone is smaller (~$17B derived, 2.66% of eligible spend in FY2025 — below the 3% goal) but offers a unique 10% price preference in competitive bids. That geographic preference is the main differentiator versus 8(a), SDVOSB, and WOSB.

SCOUT figures mark designated HUBZone set-aside obligations from USASpending (≥ $100,000 · obligations_only) for Aug 2025 – Aug 2026. Share of federal uses the same TTM denominator ($787B). Distinct from the SBA scorecard annual context above.

Free · additive brief

Email me the HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) opportunity brief PDF

This HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) page stays free to read. We’ll send a Scout-branded PDF of the set-aside snapshot. Pilot unlocks live opportunities and scoring.

Ready to compete as a HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) firm?

Get certified, find HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) opportunities, learn winning strategies, and connect with federal buyers in PrimeRFP SCOUT.

90 days · $90 · no annual contract · cancel anytime