# What is a set-aside? A set-aside reserves a federal acquisition, in whole or in part, for small businesses or for a specific socioeconomic program such as 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB or SDVOSB. Total set-asides reserve the whole acquisition; partial set-asides reserve part of it. The contracting officer, after market research, under FAR Part 19 and the rule of two. Yes. Awards to small and socioeconomic firms count toward the government-wide goals in 15 U.S.C. 644(g).Checked on 2026-11-12.Official source: [FAR subpart 19.5](https://www.acquisition.gov/far/subpart-19.5) | Term | Set-aside | | --- | --- | | Source | FAR subpart 19.5 | ## Set-aside meaning A set-aside reserves a federal acquisition, in whole or in part, for small businesses or for a specific socioeconomic program such as 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB or SDVOSB.Total set-asides reserve the whole acquisition; partial set-asides reserve part of it. Program set-asides limit competition to certified 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB or EDWOSB firms, or to SDVOSBs. SAM.gov prints the set-aside code on every notice (for example SBA, 8A, HZC, WOSB or SDVOSBC), so opportunity searches and alerts can filter on it. ## Questions Who decides whether a contract is set aside?The contracting officer, after market research, under FAR Part 19 and the rule of two.Do set-asides count toward agency goals?Yes. Awards to small and socioeconomic firms count toward the government-wide goals in 15 U.S.C. 644(g). ## Related - [Set-asides](https://samgovapi.io/set-aside) - [Glossary](https://samgovapi.io/glossary)Updated 2026-11-12. Sources checked 2026-11-12.Independent. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by GSA, SAM.gov or any U.S. government agency. Registering in SAM.gov is free at sam.gov.

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