HUBZone Incentives in Taylor County, Georgia

· Preferential federal contract and subcontract benefits· Strategic location adjacent to large government agencies in non-HubZones

· Abundant low-cost skilled labor give businesses a competitive advantage· Affordable buildings and sites are ready to occupy for quick start up

· Taxes are low. fiber optic cable and public water and sewer are in place· Rural Taylor County lifestyle is unfettered by crime, congestion & sprawl

· Our Industrial Development Authority is cooperative and easily accessible

What is a HUBZone?

The HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program is a "place-based" federal contracting program for small businesses. The program provides both federal prime contract and subcontract benefits. It is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration.The Federal government purchases about $200 billion worth of goods and services annually. Congress has set a goal of 3% of the total value of all prime contracts for HUBZone contracting opportunities phased in over five years and equaling almost $6 billion by 2003. Because of Taylor Countie's proximity to several military installations and other federal government agencies, businesses already in and businesses relocating in the County can substantially improve their bidding success and contract profitability by taking advantage of SBA's HubZone program.

Types of ContractsHUBZone firms are eligible for a wide variety of contracting opportunities such as: A competitive HUBZone contract can be awarded if the contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that at least two qualified HUBZone firms will submit offers and that the contract can be awarded at a fair market price.A sole-source contract can be awarded if the contracting officer does not have a reasonable expectation that two or more qualified HUBZone small businesses will submit offers, determines that the qualified HUBZone small business is responsible and determines that the contract can be awarded at a fair market price. The government estimate cannot exceed $5 million for manufacturing requirements or $3 million for all other requirements.A full and open competition contract can be awarded with a price evaluation preference. The offer of the HUBZone small business must not be more than 10% higher than the offer of the non-HUBZone/non-small business.

Other ProgramsSmall businesses located in the HUBZone can qualify for higher government guaranties on surety bonds for construction and service contract bids. The SBA will increase its guaranty on surety bonds to these companies from 80% to 90% making it easier for them to compete for government and private sector contracts.

EligibilityOnly companies certified by the SBA are eligible to participate in the HUBZone program. To qualify, a small business must meet all of the following requirements.

· The company's principal office must be in a HUBZone

· The company must be owned and controlled by one or more U.S. citizens; and

· At least 35% of the company's employees must be HUBZone residentsEligible 8(a) firms located in a HUBZone will be able to receive contracting opportunities under both programs.