HUBZone changes

HUBZones have been reassessed based on the 2010 Census.  If  you are not familiar with the HUBZone program, you can visit the SBA site.  Basically, it is a program designed to assist small businesses in geographic areas experiencing economic distress.  The designated areas are determined based on a number of factors such as unemployment rate and average income.  

There are several benefits to participation, and they are all extremely valuable.  First, there are many set-aside and sole source opportunities for participants.  Second, participants get a 10% discount on their price for evaluation in full and open competitions. Ultimately, the goal is to award 3% of the federal contract dollars to HUBZone companies.  So, no big deal.  That's only $12 Billion.

If your business has been HUBZone certified in the past, be wary: the zones are shrinking.  614 counties nationwide are coming off the list in 2011; another 67 in 2012; 83 in 2013; and 168 in 2014.  This PDF lists them by state.  The reduction is pretty dramatic.  Check out these unofficial maps of Louisiana and Mississippi:

You have an opportunity to contest your de-certification if you fall into that category, so be on the look out for notification from the SBA.  And if you are not a HUBZone company, check out the list above to see if you qualify and visit this site to learn more.

Watch this space for more news on the HUBZone program.