Application processing times remain significant, but are now decreasing
(April, 2010)

The HUBZone Program is still experiencing significant delays in the processing of new applications for certification.  This delay has been caused by two key factors.  First, the HUBZone Program implemented a new, more rigorous certification process starting in late 2008 in response to a GAO audit which discovered high levels fraud and abuse within the HUBZone Program.  This new process, which requires the review of supporting documentation verifying a firm’s eligibility for the program, is significantly more labor intensive than the previous electronic-only process.  Second, the HUBZone Program is experiencing much heavier application volume than ever before.  As a result, a backlog of applications developed which increased the time substantially between when an application is submitted and when the HUBZone Program Office finalizes processing it. 

We are working diligently to streamline operations and increase resources in order to reduce application processing times.  Our efforts are now paying off and processing times are falling – though they remain much longer than usual.  To obtain an estimate of when your application may be finalized, please contact the HUBZone Help Desk via email at HUBZone@sba.gov or via phone at (202) 205-8885.  We certainly appreciate your patience as we work to reduce this backlog. 

We recognize that processing delays are a serious issue for applicants, especially for those wishing to bid on upcoming HUBZone contracts.  Therefore, if you are a firm which has a pending application in process for more than 4 months and has an upcoming HUBZone set-aside contract on which it would like to bid, please contact our Help Desk to determine if we can provide you with a decision quickly.