Question: What procurement preferences are available to small businesses?

Answer: The federal government utilizes several procurement preference programs for small businesses, including: • Small Business Set-asides new link http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/contracting/contracting-officials/eligibility-size-standards which restrict procurements to small businesses. • The Small Disadvantaged Business Program new link http://www.sba.gov which favors certified SDBs in prime and subcontracting activities. o This program includes the 8(a) Business Development Program, by which procurements may be limited to 8(a) enrolled firms or directed to a specific 8(a) firm. • The HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) Program, through which procurements may be limited to HUBZone enrolled firms or directed to a specific HUBZone firm. • The Women-Owned Small Business Program, which favors women-owned businesses in prime and subcontracting activities, including set-asides. • The Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program (SDVOSB), which encourages the use of SDVOSB businesses in prime and subcontracting activities. new link http://www.sba.gov/content/service-disabled-veteran-owned-small-business-concerns-sdvosbc Information on qualifying for and utilizing these programs is available from the Small Business Administration (SBA).