# SBA Proposes Overhaul of Small Business Size Standards

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has proposed a significant revision to the criteria defining small business size standards, moving away from traditional measures such as revenue and employee headcount toward market size-based metrics. This proposed change, described by industry leaders as "seismic," aims to reshape eligibility for small business government contracting programs. The proposal has attracted substantial public commentary, reflecting its potential to impact procurement strategies and market access for small businesses. Concurrently, related procurement developments include a pause on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) standard, ongoing Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Council reforms, and the expiration of agreements under the OneGov technology procurement initiative.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should anticipate changes in small business eligibility that could affect subcontracting plans, set-aside opportunities, and vendor qualification criteria.
- The shift to market size-based standards may alter the competitive landscape, requiring contractors and agencies to reassess their small business engagement strategies.
- The pause on CMMC and FAR overhaul efforts indicate evolving compliance and regulatory environments that procurement teams must navigate.
- Organizations involved in technology procurement should note the conclusion of OneGov agreements, which may influence sourcing and contract vehicles moving forward.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Professional Services
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Federal Acquisition Regulation Council (FAR Council)

### Sources
- [WT 360: Small businesses face ‘seismic’ change to their rules of the road - Washington Technology](https://www.washingtontechnology.com/podcasts/2026/09/wt-360-small-businesses-face-seismic-change-their-rules-road/416076) - Washington Technology