SBA Urges Comments on Size Standard Rules
The Small Business Administration reminded contractors that its comment period on proposed size standard changes closes November 20.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Awards
Live Poll
Should the federal government loosen small business size standards for contractors?
At the Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards, Small Business Administration official Ryan Lambert urged attendees to submit comments on proposed overhauls to how business size standards are determined. The SBA had received approximately 1,200 comments on both proposed rules as of mid-October.
Why it matters
Size standards determine which firms qualify for federal small-business contracting set-asides, so the methodology change affects how eligibility is defined. Lambert urged commenters to be specific about whether they support or oppose parts of the proposal.
The SBA had received about 1,200 comments on both proposed rules as of mid-October, with the window closing November 20. Whether the volume will shape the final methodology has not been addressed.
The players
Small Business Administration
The federal agency responsible for setting the size standards that determine small-business eligibility for federal contracts.
Ryan Lambert
An SBA official who delivered keynote remarks urging contractors to submit comments on the proposed rules.
The details
Lambert gave keynote remarks at the 24th annual awards gala on Thursday, co-hosted by the Northern Virginia Chamber and George Mason University's Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting. He said comments should be specific, including whether a commenter supports or opposes parts of the proposal and what they might need.
Timeline
August 2026: SBA first unveiled plans to overhaul the size standard methodology.
Mid-October 2026: SBA had received approximately 1,200 comments on both proposed rules.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Lambert gave keynote reminding attendees of the comment deadline.
November 20, 2026: The comment period closes.
Legacy Framework
The proposed methodology would revise the size-standard framework that governs small-business set-asides across federal contracting. The November 20 comment deadline marks the point at which that revision is still open to public input.
Small businesses and contractors who want their views considered must submit comments before the November 20 deadline. Missing the window means the SBA will not factor those views into the proposed rules' review.
The takeaway
Businesses that rely on small-business set-asides should weigh in on the proposed methodology before the comment period ends. Specific, reasoned feedback is what the SBA has asked commenters to provide.
What happens next
The comment period on the proposed size standard rules closes November 20, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more Awards coverage across the United States.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Washington Technology.
Live Poll
Should the federal government loosen small business size standards for contractors?
