Understand set-asides, certifications, and registration checks
How set-asides work, how your program choices change what Hunter shows you, and what those choices do not prove.
Written By GovPreneurs
Last updated 21 days ago
A set-aside is a bid request that only a certain type of small business can bid on. Examples are woman-owned, veteran-owned and HUBZone businesses. HUBZone means Historically Underutilized Business Zone.
Where you say which programs describe you
In My Business, Basic Info has a question about the owner. It lists programs such as Veteran-owned, Woman-owned (WOSB), 8(a) program and HUBZone. You select the ones that apply. You can also select None of these or Not sure.
What the choices change
These choices decide which opportunities Hunter shows you:
- Veteran-owned and Service-disabled veteran-owned.
- Woman-owned and Economically disadvantaged woman-owned.
- 8(a) program and HUBZone.
- Small business, and Native American or tribally owned.
These choices are for your record only. They do not change what Hunter shows you: Minority-owned, Small disadvantaged business, and Disability-owned.
If you select Not sure, your mentor can sort it out with you on a call.
What you see in the Filters panel
In Filters, open Advanced. The set-asides that come from your profile show in the group You qualify, with the tag "from your profile". You can click Ask Hunter: do I qualify? to ask Hunter.
What your choices do not prove
A choice in My Business is your statement. It is not a check by the government. The tag "from your profile" tells you where Hunter read the choice. It does not tell you that anyone verified it.
Hunter and Grant advise you. They do not decide if you are eligible. For the rules of one opportunity, read Check eligibility, set-aside, and fit separately.
Registration checks
Some programs need a government record. The Roadmap has checks for your SAM.gov registration and your SBA profile. SAM.gov is the federal system where you register to sell to the government. A check reads the record. It does not change what you select in My Business. See How do I check my SAM.gov registration in the Roadmap?.
Where you add your registration facts
Use the part Your legal details in My Business. See How do I update my legal business details?.
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