Government bid software for your set-aside
Set-aside designation gets you to the starting line. Winning the contract still takes a clean compliance matrix, a sharp Value story, and the right teaming. These playbooks show how VETR applies the framework to each program.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
SDVOSB is the federal set-aside reserved for small businesses owned at least 51% by service-disabled veterans. The government-wide spending goal is 5% of all prime contracts — rais...
5% federal-wide prime contract goal
Read the playbookVeteran-Owned Small Business
VOSB is the broader veteran-owned designation — the owner(s) must be veterans, but a service-connected disability is not required. The VA is statutorily required to consider VOSBs...
No government-wide goal; VA "Vets First" preference makes this a high-leverage VA program
Read the playbookWomen-Owned Small Business
WOSB is the federal set-aside reserved for small businesses owned at least 51% by women. The government-wide spending goal is 5% of prime contracts, and certain industries are desi...
5% federal-wide prime contract goal
Read the playbookEconomically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business
EDWOSB is a subset of WOSB — qualifying businesses must meet additional personal net worth, adjusted gross income, and asset limits. Contracts can be set aside exclusively for EDWO...
5% WOSB goal; EDWOSBs eligible for sole-source up to $7M (manufacturing) / $4.5M (other)
Read the playbook8(a) Business Development Program
The 8(a) program is the SBA's nine-year business development program for small disadvantaged businesses. Participants get exclusive set-aside access to certain contracts plus sole-...
5% federal-wide SDB goal; 8(a) sole-source up to $4.5M/$7M depending on NAICS
Read the playbookHistorically Underutilized Business Zone
HUBZone is the federal set-aside for small businesses with their principal office in a designated HUBZone (historically underutilized business zone, mapped by SBA). At least 35% of...
3% federal-wide prime contract goal (frequently under-achieved → high opportunity)
Read the playbookWhich one are you?
Most firms qualify for more than one, and the programs are not interchangeable — they differ in who certifies you, what the government has committed to buy, and which agencies actually buy it. Start with the ownership test.
| Program | The ownership test | What the government has committed to | Buys the most |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDVOSB | At least 51% owned by one or more service-disabled veterans | 5% federal-wide prime contract goal | VADoDDHS |
| VOSB | At least 51% owned by one or more veterans | No government-wide goal; VA "Vets First" preference makes this a high-leverage VA program | VADoDGSA |
| WOSB | At least 51% owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens | 5% federal-wide prime contract goal | DoDHHSGSA |
| EDWOSB | Meets all WOSB criteria | 5% WOSB goal; EDWOSBs eligible for sole-source up to $7M (manufacturing) / $4.5M (other) | DoDHHSGSA |
| 8(a) | At least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals | 5% federal-wide SDB goal; 8(a) sole-source up to $4.5M/$7M depending on NAICS | DoDDHSGSA |
| HUBZone | Principal office located in a SBA-designated HUBZone | 3% federal-wide prime contract goal (frequently under-achieved → high opportunity) | DoDGSADHS |