Topics on this page: 8(a) Small Business Program | Small Disadvantaged Business Program | Women-Owned and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Program | Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program | HUBZone Small Business Program
HHS partners with the Small Business Administration to support the efforts of small businesses to compete with larger businesses for government contracts. These programs even the playing field and helps small businesses grow.
Our small business goal for 2013 was 20.5%, and we achieved 23.62%.
8(a) Small Business Program
The 8(a) Business Development Program helps small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the marketplace. Explore the links below for more information about the program.
- Overview of the Small Business Administration Business Development Program (SBA)
- Eligibility Requirements (SBA)
- How to Apply (SBA)
Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Program
To self-represent your company as a Small Disadvantaged Business, you must register your business in the System for Award Management. Our goal for 2013 was 5%.
Eligibility Requirements
The SBA eligibility criteria for SDBs:
- The firm must be 51% or more owned and control by one or more disadvantaged persons.
- The disadvantaged person or persons must be socially disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged.
- The firm must be small, according to SBA’s size standards.
Women-Owned and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Program
HHS sets aside certain federal contracts for eligible Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB). Our goal for 2013 was 5%.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, a firm must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women, and primarily managed by one or more women. The women must be U.S. citizens. The firm must be “small” in its primary industry in accordance with SBA’s size standards for that industry. For a WOSB to be deemed “economically disadvantaged,” its owners must demonstrate economic disadvantage in accordance with the requirements set forth in the final rule.
Learn more about the SBA program for women-owned businesses.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program
HHS sets aside a certain level of its acquisitions for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business competition (SDVOSBC). Our goal for 2013 was 3%.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the SDVOSBC, you and your business must meet the following criteria:
- The Service Disabled Veteran (SDV) must have a service-connected disability that has been determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense
- The SDVOSBC must be small under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to the procurement
- The SDV must unconditionally own 51% of the SDVOSBC
- The SDVO must control the management and daily operations of the SDVOSBC
- The SDV must hold the highest officer position in the SDVOSBC
Learn more about the SBA program for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
HUBZone Small Business Program
The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. Our goal for 2013 was 3%.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the HUBZone program, your business must be located in an area designated as a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zone. You may determine if an address or a particular area is designated as a HUBZone by using the SBA HUBZone Maps.
