§ Government Contracting Lexicon
Set-Aside.
A set-aside is a contract reserved for competition among a specific category of small businesses, such as small business, 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, or SDVOSB, so large firms cannot compete for it.
§ 01 · Definition
What it means.
In practice, for a bidder.
Set-asides are how the government meets its small-business goals. Whether a requirement is set aside is often decided from the market research (Sources Sought) responses, which is why responding to those matters.
§ 02 · In the wild
Find it live.
Set-aside IT solicitations.
SAM.govrecent small-business set-aside notices in NAICS 541512, as of 2026-08-23. Each links to the government's own record.
Central Plant Computer System (CPCS) Maintenance
U.S. Air Force · Solicitation · Small business · responses due 2026-08-28 ↗
NMMC Standalone RFID Firearm Accountability System
U.S. Marine Corps · Solicitation · Small business · responses due 2026-09-09 ↗
Centrak RTLS MSA
Dept. of Veterans Affairs · Combined Synopsis/Solicitation · Small business · responses due 2026-08-28 ↗
§ 03 · Related
Related terms.
Words that travel together.
§ Have a live solicitation?
Send the solicitation.
We'll confirm the right NAICS, PSC, and set-aside for your scope.
§ Office of the Director
SAM.govUEI PR9KWJPM4JU9 · CAGE 91CE1