The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. These preferences go to small businesses that obtain HUBZone certification in part by employing staff who live in a HUBZone. The company must also maintain a “principal office” in one of these specially designated areas.
To qualify for the HUBZone 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 a location where the greatest number of employees at any one location is performing work, with the exception of the construction and service industries. HUBZone Map (Click Here)
- At least 35% of its employees must reside in a HUBZone. Reside means to 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.
The HUBZone Application Process:
- You can Apply for the HUBZone Certification Online (Click Here).
- HUBZone Map (Click Here)
AcqLinks and References:
- FAR Part 19 “Small Business”
- DoD Directive 4205.01 “DoD Small Business Programs”
- DoD Instruction 5134.04 “Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization”
- [1] Website: Federal Acquisition Regulations (HOME)
- Website: Air Force FARSite (Federal Acquisition Regulation Site)
- Website: Wikipedia – Federal Acquisition Regulation
- Website: DoD Office of Small Business Programs
- Website: Air Force Office of Small Business Programs
- Website: Navy Office of Small Business Programs
- Website: Army Office of Small Business Programs