How does a Partial Small Business Set-Aside differ from a Total Set-Aside?

A Total Small Business Set-Aside reserves the entire contract for small businesses. A Partial Set-Aside reserves only a designated quantity, value, or set of line items for small businesses while opening the rest to full and open competition. Both mechanisms are authorized under FAR 19.5.

Can I bid on only the set-aside portion?

Yes. Small businesses may bid exclusively on the set-aside portion of the contract. Large businesses compete only on the unrestricted portion. You do not need to offer on the full requirement to be eligible for the set-aside award.

How does a contracting officer decide how much to set aside?

The contracting officer conducts market research to determine the quantity or value that can realistically be performed by small businesses at a fair price. The set-aside portion is calibrated to meet small business participation goals without compromising the overall procurement.

Can a small business also bid on the full and open portion?

Yes. A small business can submit separate offers for both the set-aside and full and open portions. The contracts are awarded separately and the business must qualify under the size standard for the set-aside portion.

Are partial set-asides common on IDIQ contracts?

Yes. Partial set-asides are frequently used on multi-award IDIQ contracts where the agency wants to ensure small businesses have guaranteed capacity on the vehicle while also maintaining large business capability for larger task orders.

Do partial set-asides count toward agency small business goals?

Yes. Dollars awarded through the partial set-aside portion count toward the contracting agency's annual small business prime contracting goals, which agencies are required to report to the SBA.

What is the evaluation process for the set-aside portion?

The set-aside portion is evaluated only among small businesses using the same evaluation criteria as the full and open portion (usually best value or lowest price technically acceptable). A separate award is made to the best-qualified small business.

How does SamSearch identify partial set-aside opportunities?

SamSearch indexes the set-aside code field from SAM.gov. Partial set-aside solicitations are tagged with code SBP and appear when you filter by that code, alongside full details on the total contract value and scope.

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SamSearch

Book a Demo Sign In

What Our Customers Say
Join hundreds of government contractors who have transformed their business with SamSearch
"SamSearch has been a lifesaver for me and my business. As a govCon consultant helping small businesses win contracts, this tool is all I need to find the right requirements at every level of government. After experimenting with the product, I've discovered features I didn't even know existed. It's affordable, and it's the best on the market."
Nikki
CEO, TSBA | Ex US Navy and US Air Force
VIDEO
"The platform's ability to provide reminders and updates on contracts I'm interested in is a huge time-saver. It allows me to focus on other aspects of my business without missing out on opportunities."
Bobby Hughes
Business Owner - BH Consulting LLC
"I'm a strategy and growth consultant helping small businesses break into SLED and grow. With 25 years in the AEC industry (BD, marketing, proposals) and APMP certification, I left corporate consulting to start my own firm. This tool is a game changer."
Amanda Cerchiara
Strategy & Growth Consultant
"SamSearch is more advanced than any platform we've used, and we value the exceptional support and close collaboration with the team."
Avi Minkoff
President, BHY Gov Solutions
"Best way to find Government Contracts."
Jonathan Seifert
Director of Partnerships, Easy Llama
"We've increased our bid rate by 40% since using SamSearch. We identified opportunities we would have missed with our previous methods."
Evan Naylor
Enterprise Risk Senior Associate, KPMG
VIDEO
"It's a one-stop shop platform. You can upload docs, keep track of who you've talked to, and give a synopsis of process, all in the journey hub. It makes managing and organizing a breeze without manual data entry. Plus, it lets me bid on more opportunities and keep up with progress effortlessly"
Chris
President, Rags and Rose LLC
"SamSearch helped us find and win a construction contract we would've never seen otherwise. Saved us hours of work! The AI-powered search is incredibly accurate."
K.Sawaf
Amara Construction Inc., Owner
"I've tried other tools, but SamSearch is by far the most intuitive and the easiest to use. It's so much faster than the competition and the interface just makes everything easier to navigate."
Lloyd Ntuk
Land Engineering PLC, Managing Principal
"Excellent Customer Service!! Top Notch!"
Steven Porter
CBS Inc, President
"SamSearch by far the most advanced tool we've seen or used. It's our end-to-end and only procurement service we use."
Cody Knudsen
Co-Founder, Tideline Strategies LLC
View All Testimonials
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Partial Small Business Set-Aside

Partial Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) — Market Data & Live Contracts

Find and win government contracts reserved for the Partial Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) program. SamSearch aggregates active federal solicitations so you can identify and pursue opportunities that match your certification.

Code: SBPFAR 19.5

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Federal Set-Aside

SBP

Partial Small Business Set-Aside

Updated

Daily

SamSearch indexes new solicitations daily

About Partial Small Business Set-Aside

Partial Small Business Set-Asides allow contracting officers to set aside a designated portion of a larger contract for small businesses while leaving the remaining portion open to full and open competition. This approach is used on large contracts—particularly Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts and large construction projects—where a full set-aside is not practical but small business participation is still encouraged.

Eligibility Requirements

Registered in SAM.gov as an active small business
Meets the SBA size standard for the applicable NAICS code
No additional socio-economic certification required beyond small business status
Must be responsive to the set-aside portion of the solicitation
Must submit a separate offer for the set-aside portion if bidding as a small business

Latest Partial Small Business Set-Aside Contracts

Recent contract opportunities in the Partial Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) set-aside program.

DEPT OF DEFENSE

US GOVERNMENT SEEKS SOURCES FOR LEASED RETAIL AND RELATED SPACE IN SAN ANTONIO, TX

Active

AI Summary

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking sources for leasing approximately 1,500 square feet of retail space in San Antonio, TX, with compliance to federal and state regulations. Interested parties must submit details including building specifications and rental rates by June 1, 2026. This is a request for informati…

Posted Mar 5, 2026Due Jun 1, 2026SolicitationNAICS 531120SBPfederal

View details→

DEPT OF DEFENSE

US GOVERNMENT SEEKS SOURCES FOR LEASED RETAIL AND RELATED SPACE, HOUSTON, TX

Active

AI Summary

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking sources for leasing approximately 1,158 square feet of retail space in Houston, TX, by September 30, 2026. Interested parties must provide building details, including floor plans and rental rates. This is a request for information only, not a solicitation.

Posted Apr 16, 2026Due Sep 30, 2026Sources SoughtNAICS 531120SBPfederal

View details→

DEPT OF DEFENSE

US GOVERNMENT SEEKS SOURCES FOR LEASED RETAIL AND RELATED SPACE, PORTLAND, TX

Active

AI Summary

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking sources for leasing approximately 2,475 square feet of retail space in Portland, TX, with compliance to federal and local standards. Interested parties must submit expressions of interest by June 1, 2026, including property details and rental rates. This is a request for info…

Posted Jan 15, 2026Due Jun 1, 2026Sources SoughtNAICS 531120SBPfederal

View details→

DEPT OF DEFENSE

SOLICITATION FOR COMET DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY MISSILE AND SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTER

Active

AI Summary

The Defense Intelligence Agency is soliciting proposals for contract operations related to missile evaluation and testing. This RFP includes support for research, development, and sustainment of hardware and software capabilities. The contract will be a Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with…

Posted Apr 23, 2026Due Apr 27, 2026SolicitationNAICS 541715SBPfederal

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DEPT OF DEFENSE

PAINT, PRIMER, THINNER AND BLASTING MEDIA BPA - SOLICITATION

Active

AI Summary

The USACE Rock Island District is seeking to establish Blanket Purchase Agreements for marine grade paint, primer, thinner, and blasting media. This solicitation includes specific paint formulas and is intended for the preservation of Lock and Dam Tainter Gates. The BPA will have a five-year ordering period with an est…

Posted Apr 22, 2026Due Apr 28, 2026SolicitationNAICS 325510SBPfederal

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

68HERL26R0005

Active

AI Summary

The Environmental Protection Agency is soliciting proposals for the Superfund Analytical Methods (SFAM) under the Contract Laboratory Program. This RFP focuses on providing high-quality analytical services for various environmental matrices to support remediation efforts, ensuring compliance with industry standards and…

Posted Apr 20, 2026Due Jun 4, 2026SolicitationNAICS 541380SBPfederal

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DEPT OF DEFENSE

Paint, Primer, Thinner and Blasting Media BPA - SOLICITATION

Active

AI Summary

The Department of Defense is seeking proposals for a Blanket Purchase Agreement for marine grade paint, thinner, and blasting media. This solicitation includes specific paint formulas and is intended for the USACE Mississippi River Project Office. The BPA will have a five-year ordering period with an estimated capacity…

Posted Apr 15, 2026Due Apr 28, 2026SolicitationNAICS 325510SBPfederal

View details→

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Construction Inspection IDIQ

Active

AI Summary

The Federal Highway Administration is seeking to award multiple IDIQ contracts for architectural and engineering services, focusing on construction inspection in various states. The total shared capacity is $100 million, with a planned duration of five years. Projects will involve improvements to low-volume roadways in…

Posted Apr 15, 2026Due May 11, 2026SolicitationNAICS 541330SBPfederal

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DEPT OF DEFENSE

US GOVERNMENT SEEKS SOURCES FOR LEASED RETAIL AND RELATED SPACE, HARLINGEN, TX

Active

AI Summary

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking sources for leasing approximately 4,698 square feet of retail space in Harlingen, TX, with a lease term of five years. Interested parties must provide building details and are encouraged to respond by September 1, 2026. This is a request for information only.

Posted Mar 25, 2026Due Sep 20, 2026Sources SoughtNAICS 531120SBPfederal

View details→

DEPT OF DEFENSE

US GOVERNMENT SEEKS SOURCES FOR LEASED RETAIL AND RELATED SPACE, LIVE OAK, TX

Active

AI Summary

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking sources for leasing approximately 5,000 square feet of retail space in Live Oak, TX, by June 1, 2026. Interested parties must provide building details, floor plans, and rental rates. This is a request for information only, not a solicitation.

Posted Jan 15, 2026Due Jun 1, 2026Sources SoughtNAICS 531120SBPfederal

View details→

Showing the 10 most recent contracts. For access to our complete database of opportunities, book a demo.

Tips for Winning SBP Contracts

Practical strategies for Partial Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) businesses competing in federal contracting.

1Read solicitations carefully to identify which line items or quantities are set aside—they are usually listed in a special set-aside provision.
2You can bid only on the set-aside portion; you do not need to propose on the full and open portion.
3Verify the NAICS code assigned to the set-aside portion, as it may differ from the primary contract NAICS.

Frequently Asked Questions — Partial Small Business Set-Aside

Common questions about the Partial Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) federal contracting program, eligibility requirements, and strategies for winning more contracts.

What Our Customers Say

What Our Customers Say

Partial Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) — Market Data & Live Contracts

About Partial Small Business Set-Aside

Latest Partial Small Business Set-Aside Contracts

Tips for Winning SBP Contracts

Frequently Asked Questions — Partial Small Business Set-Aside