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Set-aside contracts limit competition to eligible small businesses or specific socioeconomic categories. Civic AI surfaces set-aside status on search results so you can prioritize opportunities you qualify for.

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Common federal set-aside categories

CategoryWho qualifies
Small business (SB)Meets SBA size standards for the NAICS code
8(a)SBA 8(a) Business Development program participants
WOSB / EDWOSBWomen-owned or economically disadvantaged women-owned
SDVOSBService-disabled veteran-owned small business
HUBZoneLocated in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone
Total small business set-asideFull-and-open restricted to small business only

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Search for set-aside work

Include set-aside language in your query:
  • “SDVOSB set-aside cybersecurity contracts”
  • “8(a) professional services — open solicitations”
  • “WOSB IT contracts due this quarter”
  • “HUBZone construction — federal”
Civic AI also displays set-aside tags on individual result cards even when you do not mention them in the query.

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Verify eligibility before bidding

Set-aside eligibility is determined by your SAM.gov profile, SBA certifications, and the solicitation’s exact requirements. Civic AI helps you find set-aside opportunities — always confirm you qualify on the official posting before submitting.
Steps to stay compliant:
  1. Keep SAM.gov socioeconomic flags current
  2. Maintain active SBA certifications (8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, etc.)
  3. Read the solicitation’s set-aside clause and NAICS size standard
  4. Document teaming agreements if you bid as a joint venture

Federal set-asides explained

Deep dive on 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, and more.

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Combine set-asides with NAICS strategy

Set-aside filters work best when paired with the right NAICS and PSC codes. Agencies classify work by industry; your profile codes determine which opportunities appear in SAM.gov and which size standards apply.