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Set-Aside Eligibility & Representations
NAICS size standards, self-certification liability, SB/8(a)/HUBZone/WOSB/SDVOSB programs
What wins points
Verify small‑business size‑standard eligibility and correctly certify the applicable set‑aside program in Section L representations.
What gets bids disqualified
Submitting an incorrect NAICS or mis‑representing participation in a set‑aside program leads to immediate disqualification under FAR 52.212‑1(f).
Evaluator's view
Check that the NAICS code matches the SBA size‑standard worksheet and that all required certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, etc.) are attached before submission.
Set-Aside Eligibility & Representations
What this is
A short guide that explains how a small business determines whether it qualifies for set‑aside contracts and what representations must be made in the solicitation (Section L) to stay compliant.
When you need it
Use any solicitation that includes a small‑business set‑aside clause (e.g., a 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, or general SBA size‑standard set‑aside). It is mandatory for the offeror to certify eligibility in the representations section of the RFP (Section L) and to provide required NAICS codes.
How to fill it in
- Identify the solicitation’s NAICS code(s) – locate the NAICS code(s) listed in the solicitation’s description or [PLACEHOLDER – “NAICS Code”].
- Check the SBA size‑standard for each NAICS code ([S22]). Use the SBA Size Standards Tool to see whether your employee count/annual receipts fall below the threshold.
- Select the appropriate set‑aside program – is the contract marked as:
- 8(a) ([S13])?
- HUBZone?
- Women‑Owned Small Business (WOSB) or Economically Disadvantaged WOSB?
- Service‑Disabled Veteran‑Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)?
- General small‑business set‑aside (FAR 19.502‑1) ([S5])?
- Enter the required representations in the solicitation’s compliance questionnaire:
- “The offeror certifies that it meets the size standard for NAICS [PLACEHOLDER]”
- “The offeror is a participant in [SELECT ONE]: 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, etc.”
- Provide any required SBA registration numbers (e.g., SAM UEI) and attest that the information is current.
- Attach supporting documentation if asked:
- SBA’s size‑standard certification worksheet ([S22])
- 8(a) eligibility letter ([S13])
- Any other program-specific certifications (WOSB, HUBZone, etc.).
Template
[Company Name] [Address] [Contact Person] – [Phone] – [Email] **NAICS Code(s):** [PLACEHOLDER – NAICS code] **Size Standard Applied:** [PLACEHOLDER – employee count or receipts] **Set‑Aside Program(s) Requested:** - ☐ 8(a) - ☐ HUBZone - ☐ WOSB / EDWOSB - ☐ SDVOSB - ☐ General Small Business (FAR 19.502‑1) **Representations & Certifications** (as required by Section L): - The Offeror certifies that it meets the applicable size standard for NAICS [PLACEHOLDER]. - The Offeror is a participant in the selected set‑aside program(s) and will provide supporting documentation upon request. - All information entered in SAM/UEI is current as of [PLACEHOLDER – date]. **Attachments:** - SBA Size‑Standard worksheet (if applicable) - 8(a) eligibility letter (if claiming 8(a)) - Other program certifications
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