​The Small Business Blog

What is the HUBZone Program?

This Federal small business contracting program was created in 1997 to encourage economic development in HUBZones, which are areas that typically have low median household incomes and/or high unemployment rates.  To identify HUBZone areas, use the SBA HUBZone map tool at http://map.sba.gov/hubzone/maps/.  Currently, all neighbor islands are designated as HUBZone areas.  On the island of Oahu, there are only small pockets of HUBZone designated areas.

Government Goal:
The Federal government’s goal is to award 3 percent of both prime and subcontracts to HUBZone firms.  Unfortunately, this goal is one that the government consistently fails to achieve. 
 
Benefits:
Similar to all of the other small business programs, benefits include set-aside and sole-source opportunities.  Additionally, HUBZone firms enjoy a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions, as well as subcontracting opportunities. 

On October 29, 2015, the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) issued a decision in the Size Appeal of:  Giacare and Medtrust JV, LLC, SBA No. SIZ-5690.  The appeal, filed by GiaCare and Medtrust JV, LLC (an unsuccessful offeror) arose from a size determination which concluded that Global Dynamics, LLC (GDL) was not affiliated with its subcontractor, OMV Medical, Inc. (OMV) and was therefore a small business.