Small business programs

North American Industry Classification System

The North American Industry Classification System is the standard used by federal agencies to classify business establishments according to their primary economic activity. Each NAICS code is a six-digit number identifying the industry sector, subsector, industry group, and specific industry. In government contracting, NAICS codes determine small business size standards and are used to categorize contract opportunities. Agencies assign NAICS codes to solicitations, and contractors must meet the associated size standard to qualify as a small business for that procurement. Selecting appropriate NAICS codes for your SAM.gov profile affects which set-aside opportunities you can pursue and how you appear in market research searches.

Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration is the federal agency responsible for supporting small business development and ensuring small business participation in federal contracting. SBA sets size standards that determine small business eligibility, administers certification programs (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB/EDWOSB), and provides training, counseling, and access to capital. In government contracting, SBA reviews and approves agency small business goals, conducts Certificate of Competency reviews when small businesses are rejected for non-responsibility, and handles appeals of NAICS code designations and size determinations. SBA district offices work directly with small businesses and procurement center representatives at major buying agencies.

8(a) Business Development Program

The 8(a) Business Development Program is an SBA program providing business development assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. Named after Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, the program offers participants access to sole-source and set-aside contracts, mentorship opportunities, and specialized training. Participants can receive contracts through sole-source awards up to certain thresholds or compete in 8(a) set-aside competitions. The program has a nine-year maximum duration with a four-year developmental stage and five-year transitional stage. Requirements include 51% ownership and daily management control by disadvantaged individuals, and firms must meet SBA size standards for their primary NAICS code.

Historically Underutilized Business Zone

The Historically Underutilized Business Zone program provides federal contracting preferences to small businesses located in economically distressed areas. To qualify, a business must be small, at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, have its principal office in a designated HUBZone, and have at least 35% of employees residing in HUBZone areas. HUBZone-certified firms can compete for HUBZone set-aside contracts and receive a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competitions. The program aims to stimulate economic development in distressed areas by directing federal contracting dollars to businesses operating there. HUBZone maps and certification are managed through SBA's certification portal.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans. The disability must be documented through the VA or DoD. SDVOSB status provides eligibility for sole-source and set-aside contracts across all federal agencies. To qualify, veterans must have a service-connected disability rating. Control means veterans manage day-to-day operations and make long-term strategic decisions. For VA contracts specifically, verification through the VA's Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program is required. Other agencies rely on self-certification with SBA verification available.

Women-Owned Small Business

A Women-Owned Small Business is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. The WOSB Federal Contracting Program authorizes contracting officers to set aside certain contracts for certified WOSBs or Economically Disadvantaged WOSBs (EDWOSBs) in industries where women are substantially underrepresented. Certification is required through SBA's certification portal or an SBA-approved third-party certifier. EDWOSBs must additionally demonstrate economic disadvantage based on personal net worth, income, and assets. The program provides access to set-aside contracts in designated NAICS codes where studies have shown women-owned businesses are underrepresented.

Office of Small Business Programs

The Office of Small Business Programs is the office within each major federal agency responsible for promoting small business participation in agency contracting. OSBP directors advise agency leadership on small business matters, work with contracting offices to identify set-aside opportunities, and track progress toward agency small business goals. OSBPs provide market research assistance, host matchmaking events, and connect small businesses with program offices. Building relationships with OSBP staff helps small contractors understand upcoming opportunities and navigate agency procurement processes. OSBP personnel can advocate for small business consideration in acquisition strategies.

Procurement Technical Assistance Center

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers are local organizations funded by DoD to provide free or low-cost counseling and training to businesses seeking government contracts. PTACs help with SAM.gov registration, proposal preparation, identifying opportunities, and understanding procurement processes. PTACs operate nationwide through a network of over 300 locations. Counselors provide one-on-one assistance tailored to each business's goals and capabilities. Services include bid matching, compliance guidance, and training workshops. PTACs are particularly valuable for small businesses new to government contracting who need hands-on guidance.

Procurement Center Representative

A Procurement Center Representative is an SBA official assigned to major federal buying activities to advocate for small business participation in agency procurements. PCRs review acquisition strategies, recommend small business set-asides, and challenge actions that unnecessarily restrict small business competition. PCRs work with contracting officers during market research and acquisition planning to maximize small business opportunities. They can recommend breaking large requirements into smaller lots suitable for small business and review solicitations for unnecessary barriers. Small businesses can contact PCRs for assistance navigating agency procurement processes.

Small Business Innovation Research

The Small Business Innovation Research program is a competitive federal program encouraging small businesses to engage in research and development with commercialization potential. Participating agencies set aside a percentage of R&D budgets for SBIR awards to small businesses. SBIR has three phases: Phase I for feasibility studies, Phase II for full R&D, and Phase III for commercialization using non-SBIR funds. Awards are made through competitive solicitations published by each participating agency. SBIR provides early-stage funding for innovative technologies and creates past performance valuable for future contracts.

Small Business Technology Transfer

The Small Business Technology Transfer program is similar to SBIR but requires formal collaboration between a small business and a research institution such as a university or federal laboratory. STTR bridges the gap between basic research and commercialization by leveraging academic expertise. Like SBIR, STTR has Phase I, II, and III components. The small business must perform at least 40% of the work, and the research institution at least 30%. STTR enables small businesses to access cutting-edge research capabilities while universities gain pathways to commercialize innovations developed with federal research funding.

Certificate of Competency

A Certificate of Competency is an SBA determination that a small business has the capability to perform a specific government contract. When a contracting officer questions a small business's responsibility, the firm can appeal to SBA for a COC review, which if granted, requires the agency to award the contract.

Dynamic Small Business Search

The Dynamic Small Business Search is an online database maintained by SBA that allows government agencies and prime contractors to identify small business contractors for procurement opportunities. DSBS profiles include company capabilities, certifications, past performance, and contact information.

Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business

An Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business is a WOSB whose women owners demonstrate economic disadvantage based on personal net worth, income, and asset limitations. EDWOSBs qualify for set-aside contracts in additional NAICS codes beyond those available to WOSBs generally.

Labor Surplus Area

A Labor Surplus Area is a geographic area classified by the Department of Labor as having high unemployment rates. Contracts may include preferences or set-asides for contractors located in or employing workers from labor surplus areas to stimulate employment in economically distressed regions.

Small Business Specialist

A Small Business Specialist is a government employee who promotes small business participation in agency acquisitions. SBS personnel assist contracting officers with market research, identify set-aside opportunities, and help small businesses navigate procurement processes.

Veteran-Owned Business

A Veteran-Owned Business is a company at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans. VOB status may qualify businesses for certain contracting preferences and is distinct from Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business certification.

Veteran-Owned Small Business

A Veteran-Owned Small Business is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by veterans. VOSB status provides eligibility for certain contracting opportunities and subcontracting goals, with additional preferences available to Service-Disabled VOSBs.

Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization refers to agency offices and programs promoting participation of small and disadvantaged businesses in federal contracting. SADBU offices work with contracting activities to maximize small business opportunities and track goal achievement.

Small Business Office

A Small Business Office is an agency organizational unit dedicated to advocating for small business participation in contracting. SBOs provide outreach, counseling, and matchmaking services to help small businesses identify and compete for contract opportunities.

Small Business Program

Small Business Program encompasses the statutory and regulatory framework promoting small business participation in federal procurement. The SBP includes goals, set-asides, certifications, and subcontracting requirements designed to maximize opportunities for small businesses.

Small Business Review

A Small Business Review evaluates acquisition strategies to identify opportunities for small business participation. SBRs are conducted before solicitation release to ensure maximum practicable small business opportunities consistent with program requirements.

Full and Open Competition with Small Business Reserve

Full and Open Competition with Small Business Reserve is a procurement approach where a portion of the requirement is reserved exclusively for small business participation while the remainder is open to all competitors. This hybrid approach satisfies both competition requirements and small business contracting goals. Under F&O (SB), the government may reserve specific contract line items, option periods, or a percentage of anticipated orders for small businesses while allowing unrestricted competition on other portions. This approach enables agencies to leverage large business capabilities for complex requirements while ensuring meaningful small business participation and supporting socioeconomic goals.

Special Interest Group

A Special Interest Group is an organized body of stakeholders focused on a specific topic, technology, industry sector, or policy area within the government contracting community. SIGs facilitate information sharing, best practice development, and collective advocacy among members with shared interests. In government contracting, SIGs may form around contract vehicles, technology domains, socioeconomic categories, or acquisition policy issues. Participation in relevant SIGs provides networking opportunities, market intelligence, and visibility into emerging requirements or policy changes. Industry associations often host SIGs that connect contractors with government customers and peers.

Subcontracting Summary Report

A Subcontracting Summary Report is a required report submitted by prime contractors documenting their subcontracting activities and progress toward small business subcontracting goals. SSRs capture subcontract awards to various small business categories including small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and HUBZone businesses. SSR reporting is required for contracts with individual subcontracting plans and is submitted through the Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System. Accurate and timely SSR submission demonstrates good faith effort toward subcontracting goals and affects past performance evaluations. Prime contractors must maintain records supporting SSR data and may face consequences for failure to meet subcontracting commitments.

Veterans Technology Services

Veterans Technology Services refers to IT and technology service contracts specifically supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs or designed to leverage veteran-owned business participation. VETS programs may include set-aside contract vehicles or initiatives emphasizing veteran employment and business participation. VA has specific authorities and goals for veteran-owned small business contracting, including the Veterans First Contracting Program that prioritizes SDVOSB and VOSB firms for VA procurements. Understanding VETS-related opportunities and VA's veteran business preferences helps contractors position for VA technology contracts.

Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise is a certification program for small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals seeking airport concession opportunities. ACDBE certification enables participation in federally-funded airport concession contracts at commercial airports. The ACDBE program is administered by the Department of Transportation and applies to concessions such as food and beverage, retail, rental cars, and other services at airports receiving federal funding. ACDBE goals are separate from standard DBE requirements and focus specifically on airport concession opportunities. Certification requirements include size standards, ownership, and control criteria.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise is a for-profit small business owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. DBE programs, primarily in transportation contracting, establish goals for DBE participation in federally-assisted contracts. DBE certification is separate from SBA small business certifications and is administered by state transportation departments and other certifying agencies. Understanding DBE requirements helps contractors pursue transportation-related federal opportunities and develop compliant subcontracting strategies. DBE goals are common in FAA, FHWA, and FTA-funded projects.

Small Business Coordination Record

The DD Form 2579 is a DoD form documenting the coordination process for determining whether acquisitions should be set aside for small businesses. DD2579 records market research results, small business office recommendations, and contracting officer decisions on small business participation. DD2579 documentation supports compliance with small business requirements and provides an audit trail for set-aside decisions. Understanding DD2579 processes helps small businesses appreciate how set-aside determinations are made. DD2579 coordination involves small business specialists reviewing acquisition strategies.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan

An Economic Injury Disaster Loan is an SBA loan program providing working capital to small businesses experiencing economic injury from declared disasters. In government contracting contexts, EIDL availability may affect contractor financial stability and performance capability. EIDL programs gained prominence during national emergencies affecting business operations. Understanding EIDL implications helps contractors and contracting officers assess financial risks. EIDL participation may affect contractor financial representations and certifications.

Minority Business Enterprise

A Minority Business Enterprise is a business owned and controlled by individuals who are members of designated minority groups. MBE certifications support participation in supplier diversity programs and may affect subcontracting requirements and goals. MBE certification is distinct from SBA certifications but supports similar diversity objectives. Understanding MBE programs helps contractors develop diverse supply chains. MBE participation may be tracked for subcontracting plan compliance and corporate diversity initiatives.

Office of Small Business Programs Representative

The Office of Small Business Programs Representative is the designated official responsible for promoting small business participation within an agency or contracting activity. OSBP representatives review acquisitions for small business opportunities. OSBP representative coordination supports small business subcontracting and prime contract opportunities. Understanding OSBP functions helps small businesses identify advocates within agencies. OSBP representatives influence set-aside decisions and subcontracting plan approvals.

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization is the agency office responsible for promoting small and disadvantaged business participation in federal contracting. OSDBU offices implement small business programs and advocate for small business interests. OSDBU engagement is essential for small businesses seeking agency opportunities. Understanding OSDBU priorities helps small businesses align marketing efforts. OSDBU outreach events, matchmaking sessions, and industry days provide valuable networking opportunities.

Small Business

Small Business refers to concerns meeting SBA size standards for their primary industry. SB status enables participation in set-aside procurements and provides advantages in federal contracting. SB certification opens significant contracting opportunities. Understanding SB requirements helps businesses maintain eligible status. SB program participation requires compliance with size standards and regulations.

Small Business Liaison Officer

A Small Business Liaison Officer serves as the point of contact for small business matters within a contracting activity. SBLOs promote small business participation and assist with small business program compliance. SBLO engagement supports small business opportunity identification. Understanding SBLO roles helps small businesses navigate agency processes. SBLO relationships provide guidance on small business requirements and opportunities.

Small Business Outreach Advisor

A Small Business Outreach Advisor conducts outreach activities connecting small businesses with federal contracting opportunities. SBO advisors facilitate training, matchmaking, and information sessions for small businesses. SBO advisor engagement supports market entry for small businesses. Understanding SBO programs helps small businesses access resources and guidance. SBO events provide networking and capability presentation opportunities.

Small Business Participation Plan

A Small Business Participation Plan documents how an offeror will involve small businesses in contract performance. SBP plans identify small business teammates, subcontractors, and participation goals. SBP plan development is required for many large contract proposals. Understanding SBP requirements helps contractors develop compliant participation approaches. Strong SBP plans demonstrate commitment to small business utilization.

Subcontracting Plan

A Subcontracting Plan documents goals and methods for utilizing small business subcontractors. SCPs are required for contracts exceeding certain thresholds and include percentage goals by small business category. SCP development is mandatory for large prime contracts. Understanding SCP requirements helps contractors develop compliant subcontracting approaches. SCP performance affects past performance ratings and contract compliance.

Subcontracting Report

A Subcontracting Report documents actual small business subcontracting performance against plan goals. SCRs are submitted through the Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS) for federal contracts. SCR accuracy is essential for subcontracting compliance. Understanding SCR requirements helps contractors track and report subcontracting data. SCR performance affects contract compliance evaluations and past performance.

Subcontracting Strategy Plan

A Subcontracting Strategy Plan documents the overall approach for utilizing subcontractors in contract performance. SSP-Subk addresses subcontractor selection, management, and integration strategies. SSP-Subk development demonstrates supply chain management capability. Understanding subcontracting strategy requirements helps contractors develop effective supplier approaches. SSP-Subk supports efficient subcontract management and compliance.

Subcontracting Summary Report Task Level

A Subcontracting Summary Report Task Level documents small business subcontracting performance at the individual task order level. SSR-TL provides granular visibility into subcontracting compliance across task orders. SSR-TL accuracy supports task-level subcontracting compliance. Understanding SSR-TL requirements helps contractors track subcontracting by task. SSR-TL reporting demonstrates compliance at the task order level.