Author Description

Small firms participating in the Small Business Administration's (SBA's) HUBZone program received about $4 billion in federal contracts in FY 2013. The program's purpose is to stimulate economic development in economically distressed areas. A certified HUBZone firm is eligible for federal contracting benefits, including limited competition awards such as sole-source and set-aside contracts. GAO previously reported on weaknesses in SBA's internal controls and problems with ensuring that only eligible firms participate in the program. This report (1) describes HUBZone designations and how SBA communicates with interested parties about the program; and (2) examines SBA's certification and recertification processes for firms. Tables and figures. This is a print on demand report.