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Small Business

The federal government devotes resources specifically to working with small businesses to assist them in finding federal contract opportunities.

An SBA designation for businesses that meet size standards set for each NAICS code. Most manufacturing companies with 500 employees or fewer, and most non-manufacturing businesses with average annual receipts under $7.5 million, will qualify as a small business. See Title 13 Part 121.201 of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information

If you are a small business, you may “self-certify” on the Small Business Administration website and then register to do business with the federal government on the System for Award Management (SAM) website and review open contract opportunities.

Additional Information

Small Disadvantaged Business 8(a)

To provide a fair method for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities to compete, the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the 8(a) Business Development program.

An SBA program that helps provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities that meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be a small business.
  • Not already have participated in the 8(a) program.
  • Be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are economically and socially disadvantaged.
  • Be owned by someone whose personal net worth is $750,000 or less.
  • Be owned by someone whose average adjusted gross income for three years is $350,000 or less.
  • Be owned by someone with $6 million or less in assets.
  • Have the owner manage day-to-day operations and also make long-term decisions.
  • Have all its principals demonstrate good character.
  • Show potential for success and be able to perform successfully on contracts.

See Title 13 Part 124 of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information.

Joining the small disadvantaged business (8a) program allows you to compete for set-aside and sole-source contracts in the program.You can also get help to navigate federal contracting, form joint-ventures, and receive management assistance.

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Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB)

The government limits competition for certain contracts to women-owned small businesses (WOSB) in industries where WOSB are underrepresented. Some contracts are restricted further to economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSB).

Joining the women’s contracting program makes your business eligible to compete for these set-aside contracts.

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Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)

The government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business program.

Joining the disabled veterans’ business program makes your business eligible to compete for the program’s set-aside contracts. You can still compete for contract awards under other socio-economic programs you qualify for.

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HUBZone Small Business

The government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses in historically underutilized business zones. It also gives preferential consideration to those businesses in full and open competition.

Joining the HUBZone program makes your business eligible to compete for the program’s set-aside contracts. HUBZone-certified businesses also get a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions.

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Explore Business Models

Get Started

Learn to research the government market, understand how it purchases products, what training is required, and how to register your business.

Explore the Federal Marketplace

Explore the federal marketplace to consider the different contracting options available, and decide which suits your small business best.

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Schedules

Long-term governmentwide contracts with commercial firms providing federal, state, and local government buyers access to more than 11 million commercial products and services at volume discount pricing. Also called multiple award schedule or federal supply schedules.

Become qualified to sell, and have your resources assessed, to find out if they are appropriate for pursuing a GSA contract.

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GWACs

A pre-competed, multiple-award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract that agencies can use to buy total IT solutions more efficiently and economically.

Learn about Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWAC) for selling total IT solutions to the federal government.

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IDIQs

Explore indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts, often used for service, IT, and architect-engineering services.

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Subcontracting

Collaborate with other businesses to provide the best value to the federal customer.

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Set Asides

Learn more about set-aside contract opportunities designated for special interest groups.

Work with GSA Contracts

Small Business Resources

Last Reviewed: 2021-03-01