What Are Small Business Set-Asides?
When a federal agency needs to buy something, contracting officers can reserve the opportunity for small businesses. That is a set-aside. Only companies with the right certification can submit bids, which dramatically reduces competition. Set-asides exist because the federal government has explicit goals for small business participation in contracting. Instead of hoping small businesses win open competitions, agencies can restrict certain solicitations to make sure small firms have a real shot.
The Major Set-Aside Types (and who qualifies)
Total Small Business Set-Aside: Any company that qualifies as small under SBA size standards for the NAICS code can compete. This is the most common type. 8(a) Business Development Program: For small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Participants can receive sole-source awards up to $4.5M (or $7M for manufacturing), plus access to set-aside competitions. HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone): For businesses headquartered in designated zones where at least 35% of employees live in HUBZones. The program is designed to move jobs into distressed communities. SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business): For businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by veterans with service-connected disabilities. The VA requires VetCert verification for federal SDVOSB contracting. WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business): For businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by women. Some industries also have EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged WOSB) set-asides.
Why SAM.gov Set-Aside Searches Waste Time
SAM.gov is the authoritative source for federal contracting opportunities, but it is not built for fast set-aside filtering. Common pain points include: Listings that closed last week but still appear in results. Sources sought notices mixed in with actual solicitations. Contracts in NAICS codes you do not hold. Opportunities that technically match your set-aside but clearly do not match your services. You can filter by set-aside type on SAM.gov, but you still have to manually verify whether each listing is open, relevant, and realistic.
How Funding Landscape Makes Set-Aside Search Usable
Funding Landscape aggregates federal contract opportunities from SAM.gov and filters out the noise so your search results are actionable. Only open opportunities. When a listing closes, it disappears. Set-aside filtering that works. Search for SDVOSB and get SDVOSB listings, not every notice that mentions a veteran. NAICS filtering. If you are a HUBZone-certified IT services company, you can focus on HUBZone set-asides in your NAICS codes. If you want to try it, start with a search like "HUBZone construction" or "SDVOSB IT services" on the search page, then narrow by NAICS and closing date. Or connect Claude or ChatGPT via our MCP setup and let the assistant do the filtering for you.
Examples Worth Searching For
Certain large federal vehicles and agency programs repeatedly show up as set-asides, and they are worth monitoring in a live search: OASIS+ set-asides from GSA. The 8(a) OASIS+ solicitation (47QRCA23R0002) and HUBZone OASIS+ solicitation (47QRCA23R0003) are long-running IDIQ vehicles with rolling deadlines. Always verify the current status and submission window. HUBZone MATOCs from the Department of Defense. These are regional construction contracts that often appear as HUBZone-only set-asides. VA tiered evaluations. The VA often evaluates SDVOSB first, then VOSB, then other small businesses. This shows up across facilities, maintenance, and medical services contracts. Use the solicitation number or agency name in search to find the live listing and check the current deadline.
Getting the Right Certifications
You cannot bid on a set-aside without the right certification in place. The main pathways are: Small Business: Self-certify in SAM.gov based on SBA size standards for your NAICS codes. 8(a): Apply through the SBA 8(a) program. The process takes months and requires documentation of social and economic disadvantage. HUBZone: Apply through SBA. Your principal office must be in a designated HUBZone and at least 35% of employees must live in HUBZones. Use the HUBZone map to check eligibility. SDVOSB: Apply through the SBA VetCert program (formerly VA CVE). Documentation of service-connected disability is required. WOSB/EDWOSB: Self-certify in SAM.gov or use an SBA-approved third-party certifier. Certifications take time. Start the paperwork before you expect to bid.
Using AI to Search for Set-Aside Contracts
If you use an AI assistant like Claude or ChatGPT, you can connect it directly to Funding Landscape and search in plain language. Instead of filling out forms, you can ask: "Find SDVOSB IT services contracts closing in the next 30 days." "Show HUBZone construction opportunities in the Midwest." "Any 8(a) solicitations related to logistics or warehousing?" Setup takes about two minutes. See fundinglandscape.com/mcp for instructions.
Try a Search
Ready to find set-aside contracts that match your certifications? Search open opportunities or connect your AI assistant at fundinglandscape.com/mcp. For plan details, see pricing.