The HUBZone program helps small businesses located in distressed urban and rural communities, known as Historically Underutilized Business Zones, gain access to federal set-aside contracts and sole source contracts, as well as a price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions. There is a statutory requirement that HUBZone small business concerns be awarded not less than 3 percent of the total value of all prime contract awards. The HUBZone program also establishes preference for award of federal contracts to small businesses in these areas. To qualify for the program, a business (except those that are tribally-owned) must meet the following criteria:
It must be a small business by SBA size standards
It must be owned and controlled at least 51 percent by U.S. citizens, or a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, or an Indian tribe
Its principal office must be located within a Historically Underutilized Business Zone,which includes lands considered Indian Country and military facilities closed by the Base Realignment and Closure Act
At least 35 percent of its employees must reside in a HUBZone.
Existing businesses that choose to move to qualified areas are eligible to apply for certification. To fulfill the requirement that 35 percent of a HUBZone firmï¾’s employees reside in a HUBZone, employees must live in a primary residence at a place for at least 180 days, or as a currently registered voter, and with intent to live there indefinitely.
To qualify for the program, a business (except tribally-owned concerns) must meet the following criteria: It must be a small business by SBA standards; It must be owned and controlled at least 51% by U.S. citizens, or a Community Development Corporation, or an agricultural cooperative or an Indian tribe; Its principal office must be located within a Historically Underutilized Business Zone,which includes lands considered Indian Country and military facilities closed by the Base Realignment and Closure Act. A principal office is the location where the greatest number of employees at any one location are performing work, with the exception of the construction and service industries; and At least 35% of its employees must reside in a HUBZone. Reside means to live in a primary residence at a place for at lease 180 days, or as a currently registered voter, and with intent to live there indefinitely.
