Small businesses in Hawai‘i that previously had to compete with large businesses for government contracts may now compete in acquisitions set-aside for Historically Underutilized Business Zone or HUBZone small businesses, a press release states. Hawaii small businesses wanting to do
Small businesses in Hawai‘i that previously had to compete with large businesses for government contracts may now compete in acquisitions set-aside for Historically Underutilized Business Zone or HUBZone small businesses, a press release states.
Hawaii small businesses wanting to do business with the federal government stand to benefit as the entire State of Hawai‘i is now classified as a HUBZone.
Set-asides, especially for construction opportunities, would increase opportunities and contract awards for small business while also helping the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Honolulu District meet its small business goal of 43 percent of total contracted dollars.
The HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program was enacted into law as part of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997, the release states. The program encourages economic development in historically underutilized business zones, HUBZones, by providing Federal Contracting preferences to small businesses that obtain HUBZone certification.
To qualify for the HUBZone Program:
• The concern must be a small business;
• The concern must be owned and controlled by one or more US citizens;
• The principal office must be located in a HUBZone; and
• At least 35 percent of the concern’s employees must reside in a HUBZone.
The greatest benefit of the program, the release states, is that HUBZone firms can participate in restricted competition contracts and negotiate sole-source contracts on a limited basis. In addition, HUBZone firms are eligible for 10 percent price evaluation preference when bidding against large businesses in full and open competitions.
The Small Business Administration HUBZone Web site now shows the entire State of Hawai‘i is a HUBZone whereas previously only the islands of Kaua‘i and the Big Island and several census tracts on O‘ahu were designated as HUBZones.
Hawai‘i small business firms wanting to take advantage of preferences the federal government offers through the HUBZone program must first be certified as HUBZone contractors, but the process is relatively simple, the release states. To apply, small business concerns may use the electronic application directly on the HUBZone Web site: www.sba.gov/hubzone/.
To learn how to do business with the Army Corps of Engineers, the following Web site provides a step-by-step approach to the Department of Defense Marketplace: www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/doing_business/DoD_Contracting_Guide.htm. The Honolulu District Deputy for Small Business is also available to help. Contact Monica Kaji, at (808) 438-8586 or monica.a.kaji@usace.army.mil.
