Contract UEI: VBG5Q8NCLNM8
Period of Certification: Feb 29, 2024 through Feb 28, 2025
Contact: Aaron Finney | Contracts Administrator
DUNS: 122847085 | CAGE code: 5SWY5
HUBZone Certification Overview
The HUBZone program, created by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) not only helps federal agencies meet their procurement goals but also directly benefits communities by creating jobs and driving economic growth in historically underserved areas throughout the United States and its territories. By awarding contracts to certified HUBZone companies, the government can deliver critical services and infrastructure while ensuring that the economic impact reaches areas that need it most. This creates a win-win scenario: agencies fulfill their needs efficiently, and local communities experience tangible improvements.
For Contracting Officers and Procurement Managers, utilizing the HUBZone program is straightforward. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the HUBZone Sole Source process and why TRG is the right choice for your agency.
Benefits of Using the HUBZone Program
- Faster Procurement: Expedite contract awards without competitive bidding delays.
- Meet Small Business Goals: Easily fulfill federal small business contracting targets.
- Boost Local Economies: Drive job creation and economic growth in underserved areas.
- Expert Services: Access TRG’s specialized network, security, and wireless solutions.
- Flexible Contracting: Tailor solutions with minimal administrative effort.
- Federal Compliance: Align with federal procurement standards while simplifying the process.
benefits of using TRG
- Certified Engineers and Subject Matter Experts
- ITIL v4 Standards Compliance
- Automated Client Notification System
- Strategic Mix of Technology and Business Skillsets
- Demonstrated Excellence in Project Management and Delivery
How It Works: A Step-by-Step Guide for Contracting Officers and Representatives
Before initiating a HUBZone Sole Source contract, ensure that the contractor is officially certified as a HUBZone business by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
- How to Check Certification: The SBA maintains a Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) tool where you can verify if a business holds current HUBZone certification. You can access our certification status at: SBA HUBZone Certification
- Key Criteria: The business must maintain a principal office in a designated HUBZone and have at least 35% of its employees residing in a HUBZone area. The certification must be current at the time of contract award.
The HUBZone Sole Source authority allows for direct awards, but the contract value must not exceed certain thresholds:
- For manufacturing contracts: The total value cannot exceed $7 million.
- For all other services: The total value cannot exceed $4 million.
If your requirement fits within these thresholds, you can proceed with a HUBZone Sole Source award. If it exceeds these amounts, a competitive process may be required.
- Resource: The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), specifically FAR 19.1306, outlines the sole source award procedures for HUBZone contractors. You can review these regulations at:
https://www.acquisition.gov/far/19.1306
Though a full competition is not required, the CO must still document the rationale for using the HUBZone Sole Source option. This typically involves a short justification explaining why a sole-source award is appropriate and how the contract fits within the established criteria.
- Key Points to Include:
- The contractor is certified as a HUBZone business.
- The contract value is within the $7 million/$4 million threshold.
- The service or product needed is available from the selected HUBZone contractor.
- A sole-source award will meet the agency’s mission needs more effectively than a competitive process.
- Resource: The SBA HUBZone Contracting Guide provides detailed guidance on justifying HUBZone Sole Source awards. Access it at: https://www.sba.gov/document/support–hubzone-program-guide-contracting-officers
Once certification and thresholds are confirmed, and documentation is in place, the CO can proceed to award the contract. There is no need to publish a solicitation or seek competitive bids, making the HUBZone Sole Source method one of the quickest options for federal procurement.
- Steps in the Award Process:
- Notify the selected HUBZone contractor.
- Finalize the terms and conditions of the contract.
- Award the contract through the agency’s procurement system, following your agency’s internal approval processes.
- Resource: The System for Award Management (SAM), where all federal contracts are posted, also includes a specific portal for COs to process and finalize contract awards:
https://sam.gov/
As with any federal contract, the CO or COR must manage performance to ensure compliance with the contract terms. Regular performance evaluations, milestone reviews, and communication with the contractor are key components of successful contract management.
- Contract Monitoring Tools: Agencies often use tools like CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) to track contractor performance. COs should ensure the HUBZone contractor’s performance is documented to support future awards.
- Resource: For further details on monitoring contractor performance, visit the CPARS website: https://www.cpars.gov/
Additional Resources for COs and CORs:
- FAR Subpart 19.13 – HUBZone Program: The main regulatory guide for the HUBZone program and sole-source contracting.
https://www.acquisition.gov/far/subpart-19.13 - SBA HUBZone Office: For specific questions, you can contact the SBA HUBZone program office for assistance in navigating the process.
https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/hubzone-program - Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS): Useful for tracking past contract awards, including HUBZone awards, to help COs plan and manage future procurements.
https://www.fpds.gov/
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