How do Federal agencies use SBA size standards?
A. With few exceptions, Federal agencies use the size standards established by SBA. In addition, many other political entities, such as state and local governments, adopt SBA size standards. Most Federal agencies reserve all or some of their programs for small businesses, and set aside a share of their procurement activity exclusively for small businesses. Q. Can a Federal agency making a small business set-aside procurement use, at its discretion, a size standard other than what SBA has designated? A. No. Under law, an agency must use SBA’s size standards. An agency has no authority to establish size standards different from SBA’s on set-aside procurements. Q. A Federal agency wishes to grant regulatory relief for small business entities. Must it use SBA’s size standards to define small business? A. Generally, Federal agencies use SBA size standards. However, if another small business definition is more appropriate to its needs, that agency may consult with SBA’s Office of Size Standa
