Question: What procurement preferences are available to small businesses?

Answer: The federal government utilizes several procurement preference programs for small businesses, including:

Small Business Set-asides, which restrict procurements to small businesses; the Small Disadvantaged Business Program, which favors certified SDBs in prime and subcontracting activities. This program includes the 8(a) Business Development Program, by which procurements may be limited to 8(a) enrolled firms or directed to a specific 8(a) firm; the HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) Program, through which procurements may be limited to HUBZone enrolled firms or directed to a specific HUBZone firm; the Women-Owned Small Business Program, which favors women-owned businesses in prime and subcontracting activities, including set-asides; and the Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program (SDVOSB), which encourages the use of SDVOSB businesses in prime and subcontracting activities.

Information on qualifying for and utilizing these programs is available from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Related Links:
Doing Business with DOL
Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) Home Page