What is a small business set-aside, and how do I know which ones I qualify for?

You are correct that you must hold the specific certification to bid on those set-asides, Jordan. The government verifies your small business status for a specific NAICS code through your active SAM.gov registration, which includes your representations and certifications about your size and other statuses. For the specific set-aside programs such as 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, or SDVOSB, the government checks your certification status directly with the SBA. The contracting officer will confirm your eligibility in SAM.gov at the time of award, ensuring your certification is active and that your company meets the requirements for the specific set-aside.

You need to have the specific certifications to bid on most set-asides, but your company can bid on "Total Small Business Set-Aside" opportunities if you meet the size standard for the stated NAICS code. For federal contracts, the government determines whether your company meets the size standard by reviewing your revenue or employee count in relation to the NAICS code's threshold. For example, to bid on an 8(a) set-aside, your company must be certified by the SBA as an 8(a) participant. Similarly, for a HUBZone set-aside, your company needs HUBZone certification, and for SDVOSB or WOSB set-asides, you need the respective certifications from the SBA. The contracting officer will verify your company's certification status in SAM.gov as part of the award process. Each acquisition above the micro-purchase threshold but not over the simplified acquisition threshold shall be set aside for small business unless the contracting officer determines there is not a reasonable expectation of offers from two or more responsible small business concerns that are competitive in price, quality and delivery, as stated in FAR 19.502-2(a).