What are HUBZones and why do they matter in Civil Engineering?

If you’re in the construction or government contracting world, you may have come across the term HUBZone—but what exactly does it mean, and why is it important?

Hubzone Map - Aug 2025

What is a HUBZone?

HUBZone stands for Historically Underutilized Business Zone, a federal program created by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Its main goal is to stimulate economic development and create jobs in communities that have historically faced barriers to growth, including rural areas, Indian reservations, and regions with high unemployment or low income.

Businesses located in HUBZones can become certified by the SBA to access special federal contracting preferences. These include set-aside contracts and a 10% price evaluation preference in competitive bids for certain government projects.

Currently, there are six categories of areas designated as HUBZones:

• Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs)

• Qualified Non‑metropolitan Counties

• Qualified Indian Lands

• Governor‑Designated Areas (rural zones nominated by state governors)

• Qualified Disaster Areas (declared following natural disasters)

• Redesignated Areas (zones that have lost eligibility, currently in a transition period until 2026)

How does this impact the construction and engineering sector?

Infrastructure development is one of the most direct and powerful tools for economic transformation in underserved areas.

Certified HUBZone companies can:

• Bid more competitively on federal construction contracts

• Contribute to job creation by hiring workers who live in HUBZone areas

• Accelerate infrastructure improvement in places that need it most

• Build long-term relationships with public-sector agencies

For engineering and construction firms, HUBZone participation isn’t just a compliance checkbox—it’s a strategic way to align business goals with community impact.

Why it matters to us at L. Madeira Consultancy

At L. Madeira Consultancy in Engineering, we are actively expanding our operations to include certified HUBZone regions in Texas and Georgia. This allows us to bring high-quality civil infrastructure solutions to communities that need them, while also contributing to local economic revitalization.

Whether it’s road rehabilitation, stormwater management, or railway development, we believe infrastructure should serve everyone—and the HUBZone program helps make that possible.

Key Highlights

•          The HUBZone Program connects federal investment with local development, making it especially relevant for engineering and infrastructure projects;

•          Key areas such as Washington D.C., San Antonio, San Diego, Huntsville, and Detroit lead in obligated funding and density of certified businesses;

•          The civil sector (AEC) plays a strong role in the program, opening doors to exclusive and competitive contracts;

•          Regulatory updates (2023–2025) expanded eligibility, reduced administrative barriers, and created greater flexibility for participating businesses.

Want to learn more?

If your organization is planning construction projects in a HUBZone area—or you’re looking to partner with a certified small business—let’s talk. We’re here to help build a stronger, more inclusive future through smart, sustainable engineering.