(a) Status as a HUBZone small business concern is determined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) in accordance with 13 CFR part 126.

(b) If SBA determines that a concern is a HUBZone small business, it will designate the concern as a HUBZone small business in the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) at https://web.sba.gov/pro-net/search/dsp_dsbs.cfm. SBA's designation also appears in SAM. Only firms designated in DSBS and SAM as HUBZone small business concerns are eligible for HUBZone preferences. HUBZone preferences are not contingent on the place of performance.

(c) A joint venture may be considered a HUBZone small business concern if—

(1) The joint venture qualifies as small under 19.301-1(a)(2)(i);

(2) At least one party to the joint venture is a HUBZone small business concern; and

(3) The joint venture complies with 13 CFR 126.616(a) through (c).

(d) To be eligible for a HUBZone contract under this section, a HUBZone small business concern must be a HUBZone small business concern at the time of its initial offer.