A size standard, which is usually stated in number of employees or average annual receipts, represents the largest size that a business (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) may be to remain classified as a small business for SBA and federal contracting programs. The definition of “small” varies by industry.
Size standards define small business Size standards define the largest size a business can be to participate in government contracting programs and compete for contracts reserved or set aside for small businesses. Size standards vary by industry and are generally based on the number of employees or the amount of annual receipts the business has.
To check the size standards for specific industries, you can reference SBA's table of small business size standards. The table lists the current size standards that correspond to individual NAICS codes. Contracting officers must designate a NAICS code for a contract according to Title 13 Part 121.402 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
The below reference files provide current and historical small business size standards effective during the provided reference periods. Size standards for reference periods prior to August 2019...
Why has the methodology changed? As part of the second 5-year comprehensive review of size standards in 2019, SBA established a detailed Size Standards Methodology White Paper explaining how the agency determines, reviews, or modifies its small business size standards.
A copy of the protested business’ size self-certification Identification of the applicable size standard A copy or an electronic link to the solicitation and any amendments (if requested) The name, address, telephone number, email address, and fax number of the contracting officer