GovCon Acronym Decoder
Government contracting runs on shorthand. Search any acronym and get a plain-English definition, when you will run into it, whether you need one, and where it comes from.
Search acronyms
10 of 172 terms matching "Set-Aside"
Set-Aside
A requirement reserved for competition among a specific category of businesses, such as small business, 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, or SDVOSB.
When you see it
In the solicitation header on SAM.gov.
Do you need it
Filtering for set-asides you qualify for is the fastest way to improve your win odds.
Where it comes from
FAR Part 19.
Related terms
Set-Aside
A requirement reserved for competition among a specific category of businesses, such as small business, 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, or SDVOSB.
When you see it
In the solicitation header on SAM.gov.
Do you need it
Filtering for set-asides you qualify for is the fastest way to improve your win odds.
Where it comes from
FAR Part 19.
Related terms
8(a) Business Development Program
A nine-year SBA development program for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. Participants can receive sole source and set-aside awards.
When you see it
On set-aside solicitations and in sole source awards up to specific thresholds.
Do you need it
Only if you qualify. It is the most powerful certification if you use it with a plan.
Where it comes from
SBA certification.
Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business
A WOSB whose owners also meet economic disadvantage criteria, eligible for a narrower set of set-asides.
When you see it
On EDWOSB-specific set-asides.
Do you need it
Only if you meet both the ownership and the economic criteria.
Where it comes from
SBA certification.
Procurement Forecast
An agency's published list of anticipated contract actions for the coming year, including estimated value and set-aside intent.
When you see it
On agency OSDBU pages and in the government-wide forecast tool.
Do you need it
This is where capture starts. Forecast entries are 6 to 18 months ahead of the solicitation.
Where it comes from
Agency OSDBUs.
Related terms
Limitations on Subcontracting
The rule that on set-aside awards, the small business prime must perform a required percentage of the work itself rather than pass it all through.
When you see it
On every set-aside contract, in FAR 52.219-14.
Do you need it
Yes. Violating it is a compliance and eligibility problem, not just a contract issue.
Where it comes from
FAR 52.219-14 and 13 CFR 125.6.
Related terms
SBA Mentor-Protege Program
An SBA program pairing a small business with a more experienced mentor, allowing joint ventures that can compete for small business set-asides.
When you see it
In teaming strategies for larger set-aside pursuits.
Do you need it
Only if you have a real mentor relationship and a growth plan behind it.
Where it comes from
SBA.
Procurement Center Representative
An SBA employee assigned to a buying activity who reviews acquisitions and pushes for small business set-asides.
When you see it
Behind the scenes on set-aside decisions. You can contact them directly.
Do you need it
A PCR can be a powerful advocate when a requirement is being bundled away from small business.
Where it comes from
U.S. Small Business Administration.
Related terms
Small Business Specialist
The person inside a buying activity whose job is to help small businesses navigate that office and advocate for set-asides.
When you see it
During capability briefings and agency outreach.
Do you need it
One of the best free relationships in government contracting. Bring a capability statement to the meeting.
Where it comes from
Located in agency small business offices, often under the OSDBU.
Sources Sought Notice
A market research notice used to find out whether qualified small businesses exist for a requirement. Responses can drive a set-aside decision.
When you see it
Early in the acquisition cycle, before the solicitation.
Do you need it
Responding matters. If enough capable small businesses respond, the agency may set the work aside for small business.
Where it comes from
Contracting office, posted on SAM.gov.
Related terms
Department of Veterans Affairs
A major buyer of healthcare, construction, and IT, with strong veteran-owned set-aside programs.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
Knowing the words is step one
The free 20-module Beginner Series walks you from registration through your first award. Pro adds the tools, resources, and community support.