Glossary
What is a small-business set-aside?
A set-aside is a competition reserved for a defined group. Common federal categories include small business, 8(a), HUBZone, woman-owned small business, and service-disabled veteran-owned small business. The notice states the rule. Your status has to be real.
The Small Business Administration writes the program rules. SAM.gov and SBA systems are where status is represented. A slide in a proposal that says “we are small” is not the representation.
Do not claim a status you cannot support. False representations are a legal problem, not a marketing choice. Govacha will not tell you that you qualify.
If you do qualify, filter search to that set-aside and still read the notice. A set-aside can be total or partial. It can also be a reserves pool inside a larger vehicle. The cover page is not always the whole story.
Teaming does not transfer someone else’s status to your firm. If a partner’s status is the reason you are eligible, the agreement and the notice both have to allow that structure.
Related: NAICS code and solicitation.