PrimeRFP SCOUT · Federal Set-Aside Program
Small Business Set-Aside (SB)
Federal contracts reserved for certified small businesses — the broadest set-aside category with strong participation across all agencies.
$96.1B
TTM Obligated
4.2%
% of Federal (TTM)
30,141
Awards ≥$100K
DoD
Top Agency
What is Small Business Set-Aside?
Federal contracts reserved for certified small businesses — the broadest set-aside category with strong participation across all agencies.
Certification Process
Register with SAM.gov, obtain DUNS number, provide ownership and financial documentation, and the SBA Size Standard verification (varies by NAICS code). Approval typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Business Development Strategy
Small business set-asides represent 28.8% of federal contracting spend ($183B FY2024) — a record high and one of the largest accessible markets. On-ramps include multiple vehicles (STARS III, SBA MAS, agency-specific 8(a) contracts). Certification path is straightforward.
Top Agencies Buying Small Business Set-Aside
| Rank | Agency | SCOUT TTM |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Department of Defense | $43.3B |
| #2 | Department of Health and Human Services | $19.9B |
| #3 | Department of Homeland Security | $5.8B |
| #4 | National Aeronautics and Space Administration | $3.8B |
Designated SBA set-aside obligations · Jul 2025 – Jun 2026
Market Opportunity
Current designated market (SCOUT TTM)
$96.1B
4.2% of federal TTM · 30,141 awards ≥$100K
Momentum inside the window
CY2025 $29.6B → CY2026 (partial) $66.5B
Calendar buckets from the same TTM extract — not full fiscal years
Official annual picture (SBA)
$183B · ~8% CAGR ↑
FY2024 Procurement Scorecard
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get certified as a small business?
Register with SAM.gov, obtain a DUNS number, and apply for SBA small business certification. Size standards vary by NAICS code (typically $5.5M–$38.5M in revenue). Approval takes 2-4 weeks. Once certified, you're eligible for all small business set-aside contracts.
How much federal contracting is reserved for small businesses?
In FY2024, the federal government awarded a record $183 billion (28.8% of total contracting) to small businesses — the fourth consecutive year of growth and the highest amount ever recorded. Agencies have a statutory 23% goal for small business prime contracting. Source: SBA FY2024 Procurement Scorecard.
What vehicles should I pursue for small business work?
STARS III (GSA, IT services), SBA MAS Schedule, agency-specific vehicles (e.g., VA T4NG2), and direct small business set-aside RFPs are primary on-ramps. PrimeRFP SCOUT tracks all open small business opportunities government-wide.
SCOUT figures mark designated SBA set-aside obligations from USASpending (≥ $100,000 · obligations_only) for Jul 2025 – Jun 2026. Share of federal uses the same TTM denominator ($2.29T). Distinct from the SBA scorecard annual context above.
Ready to compete as a Small Business Set-Aside firm?
Get certified, find Small Business Set-Aside opportunities, learn winning strategies, and connect with federal buyers in PrimeRFP SCOUT.