Reference

Federal Contracting Definitions

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognizes five core federal contracting small business set-aside and socioeconomic programs. Each program has distinct eligibility requirements and certification pathways.

Last updated: August 20, 2026 · Source: SBA.gov

Jump to: 8(a) Program WOSB / EDWOSB SDVOSB VOSB HUBZone

8(a)

8(a) Business Development Program

SBA · FAR Subpart 19.8

The 8(a) Business Development Program is a nine-year federal assistance program administered by the SBA for small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. It provides access to set-aside and sole-source contracts, technical assistance, and mentorship to help eligible firms compete in the federal marketplace.

Key Eligibility Criteria

Small business under SBA size standards for the relevant NAICS code

At least 51% unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens

Owner's personal net worth must not exceed $850,000 (excluding equity in the business and primary residence)

Owner's adjusted gross income must average $400,000 or less over three years

Owner's total assets must not exceed $6.5 million

Business must demonstrate potential for success

Program duration: 8(a) participation is divided into a developmental stage (years 1–4) and a transitional stage (years 5–9). Firms may not re-enter the program after completing their term.

WOSB

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program

SBA · FAR Subpart 19.15

The WOSB Federal Contract Program authorizes set-aside and sole-source contracts for small businesses owned and controlled by women in industries where women-owned firms are underrepresented or substantially underrepresented in federal contracting.

Two Certification Tiers

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)

At least 51% unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. Eligible for WOSB set-aside contracts in qualifying NAICS codes.

Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB)

All WOSB requirements, plus the controlling woman or women must be economically disadvantaged (personal net worth ≤ $850,000 excluding business equity and primary residence; adjusted gross income average ≤ $400,000; total assets ≤ $6.5 million). EDWOSB holders qualify for both EDWOSB and WOSB set-aside contracts.

Important distinction: WOSB and EDWOSB are separate certifications. A firm holding WOSB certification does not automatically qualify for EDWOSB-restricted solicitations. Both certifications are obtained through the SBA certification portal or a third-party certifier approved by the SBA.

SDVOSB

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program

SBA · FAR Subpart 19.14

The SDVOSB program authorizes set-aside and sole-source contracts for small businesses owned and controlled by veterans with a service-connected disability. Certification is managed through the SBA VetCert program (transferred from the VA effective January 1, 2023).

Key Eligibility Criteria

Small business under SBA size standards for the relevant NAICS code

At least 51% unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans

The service-disabled veteran must have a service-connected disability as determined by the VA

Day-to-day management and long-term decision-making must be controlled by the service-disabled veteran (or a permanent caregiver if the veteran has a permanent and severe disability)

Must be certified through the SBA VetCert portal

Important distinction: SDVOSB is a strict subset of VOSB — all SDVOSBs are VOSBs, but not all VOSBs are SDVOSBs. An SDVOSB-certified firm qualifies for both SDVOSB and VOSB set-asides. A VOSB-only firm does not qualify for SDVOSB-restricted solicitations.

VOSB

Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)

SBA · SBA VetCert Program

The VOSB designation is for small businesses owned and controlled by veterans, regardless of disability status. VOSB certification is obtained through the SBA VetCert program and is required for VA-specific VOSB set-aside contracts (under the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006) and certain other agency programs.

Key Eligibility Criteria

Small business under SBA size standards for the relevant NAICS code

At least 51% unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more veterans

Veteran must have been discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable

Day-to-day management and long-term decision-making must be controlled by a veteran

Must be certified through the SBA VetCert portal

Certification note: SBA took over VOSB/SDVOSB certification from the VA in January 2023. Legacy VA verification is no longer accepted for new federal contracts outside of the VA. All firms must hold current SBA VetCert certification.

HUBZone

Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program

SBA · FAR Subpart 19.13

The HUBZone program provides set-aside, sole-source, and price-evaluation-preference contracting benefits to small businesses located in historically underutilized business zones. The program aims to stimulate economic development and job creation in distressed communities.

Key Eligibility Criteria

Small business under SBA size standards for the relevant NAICS code

Principal office must be located in a designated HUBZone area

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

At least 35% of employees must reside in a HUBZone

Must be certified through the SBA HUBZone map and certification application

Ongoing compliance: HUBZone status requires annual recertification and continuous compliance with the 35% employee residency requirement. HUBZone boundaries are updated periodically; firms must monitor their location's status.

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