The vast majority of Alaska is certifiable–as HUBZone eligible. So why aren’t more Alaska businesses doing business with the federal government HUBZone certified? It’s a good question, one the US Forest Service, the Department of Defense, and other federal agencies in Alaska would like answered.

Set-Aside Alert recently published a HUBZone report that identified the construction (64% of awards) and professional, scientific, and technical services (22% of awards) industries as top sectors for HUBZone awards. In Alaska, the report notes that $21M dollars worth of HUBZone set-asides are slated to expire in FY 2017. But if you’d like a shot at a piece of that multi-million dollar pie you need to get HUBZone certified!

What are the top awarding agencies when it comes to HUBZone opportunities? Topping the list in order of most to least awards by dollar value are DOD, DHS, Department of State, NASA, and GSA. And yet HUBZone awards in Alaska are down 39% since 2010.

The reason? Set-Aside Alert speculates that as the number of HUBZone firms declines, the fewer HUBZone set-asides federal agencies issue. It’s a catch-22: More HUBZone firms result in more HUBZone set-asides, but fewer HUBZone set-asides result in fewer companies willing to pursue the certification.

Recently Alaska PTAC heard from federal contracting officers from a variety of agencies asking us to assist them in getting more Alaska companies HUBZone certified. They said they’d like to put out more HUBZone set-asides, but need a reasonable expectation that there’s enough qualified HUBZone contractors available to fulfill the requirements.

Would you like to learn more about HUBZone certification? Alaska PTAC is here to help you determine your eligibility and guide you through the process. Call to speak to a government contracting specialist today!