Small Business
A small business under SBA size standards is eligible for federal small business set-asides, which reserve a portion of federal contracts exclusively for small firms. The SBA sets size standards by NAICS code — generally under $8–47M in revenue for service firms and under 500–1,500 employees for manufacturers. Any small business seeking federal contracts must register in SAM.gov and obtain a CAGE code.
How This Affects Your CAGE Code Record
When you register on SAM.gov and receive a CAGE code, your business type and socioeconomic certifications are recorded in your entity profile. Contracting officers and prime contractors can look up your CAGE code to verify these designations before teaming or awarding a subcontract. Keeping your SAM.gov registration active and your certifications current is essential — an expired registration will hide your set-aside status from any CAGE code lookup.
Registration Process
Register at SAM.gov and self-certify as a small business. Your size is determined by your primary NAICS code. SBA may verify your size via a formal Size Determination request.
Required Certifications
- SAM.gov self-certification
- SBA Size Standards (by NAICS)
Set-Aside Advantages
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Access to small business set-asides (simplified acquisition threshold: $250K)
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SBIR/STTR R&D funding programs
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Mentor-Protégé Program eligibility
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Preferred consideration in many IDIQ vehicles
Get Your CAGE Code for Small Business
CAGE codes are assigned free during SAM.gov registration. Use certify.sba.gov for SBA program certifications after your SAM registration is active.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I certify as a small business?
Self-certify in SAM.gov under your primary NAICS code. SBA sets revenue and employee size thresholds by NAICS.
Can a small business team with a large business?
Yes, via joint ventures or subcontracting — but the small business must perform a significant portion of the work.
Does my CAGE code show my small business status?
Your CAGE code entry in SAM.gov displays your registered socioeconomic categories, including small business status.
Contract Data
Small Business Awards on FedAtlas.com
See which Small Business firms are winning federal contracts.