SBA Size Standards Proposal – Sept. 2026
SAME’s Small Business Council has helped to compile a list of resources and information to update members on the currently proposed rule from the Small Business Administration on changes to small business size standards. The deadline for public comment is Sept. 21. SAME is committed to supporting the industry-government collaboration so vital to national security and engineering readines, and forums like the upcoming 2026 Federal Small Business Conference (Nov. 4-6 in Charlotte, N.C.), provide a venue where individuals and organizations can come together to explore any proposed or approved changes, implementation plans, and transition strategies. The links below are shared for awareness.
Articles
- SBA Proposes Overhaul to Simplify Small Business Classification and Expand Access to Federal Programs
- SBA Proposes Major Expansion of Small Business Eligibility
- What SBA’s New Size Standards Could Mean for Small Businesses
- SBA wants to give 114,000 more companies access to small business contracts
- SBA Proposes to Fundamentally Redefine Small Business
- SBA Proposes Major Changes to Small Business Methodology and Size Standards
Webinars
- GovCon Intelligence: SBA’s Size Standards Increases
- Understanding the SBA’s Proposal to Overhaul Size Standards and How It Would Impact Your Company
- PilieroMazza Town Hall: Breaking Down SBA’s Massive Proposed Changes to Small Business Size Standards
- ACEC: Small Firm Roundtable
- NSBA: Small Business Size Standards Briefing
Podcasts
Public Forums
- Small Business Size Standards: Construction and Services (NPRM)
- Guidance for Submitting Comments
- Direct Comment Page: regulations.gov; submit comment on SBA-2026-0265
Size Standards Comparison
| Baseline | Proposed Changes |
|---|---|
| Separate rules establishing receipt-based & employee-based size standards | One rule establishing all size standards. |
| 978 size standards at the 6-digit NAICS level | 276 size standards at the 4-digit NAICS level and 62 at the 5-digit NAICS level. |
| 496 size standards based on annual revenue | 129 size standards based on annual revenue (as required by statute). |
| 478 size standards based on employee level | 208 size standards based on employee level. |
| 18 subindustries (exceptions) | No exceptions |
| Maximum for revenue-based: $47 million; Maximum for employee-based: 1,500 | No maximum. |
| Total number of small business firms: 6,344,967 | Total number of small business firms: 6,459,508. |
Council Mission
The mission of the SAME Small Business Council is to promote the role and importance of small businesses within SAME through outreach, training, engagement opportunities and recognition. A robust and adaptable small business sector is essential to the industrial base, to technical innovation, and to national readiness.
Council Overview
Importance of Small Business
Small business firms contribute approximately 80 percent of our nation’s job growth. Our entrepreneurial approach fosters innovation, drive, and success. Often considered “renegades,” we are an invaluable asset to our nation’s economy and the military mission.
The SAME Small Business Council is committed to keeping SAME members informed with the most up–to–date information from the world of small business. We regularly send out an electronic newsletter to help you stay ahead of the latest trends and take advantage of current developments in growth and partnerships.
If you are interested in getting more information about Small Business Council activities, please login to the SAME website and visit “My Account” and “Join the COIS” and be sure to add the SB Council! Want to serve on the SAME Small Business Council Steering Committee? We’d love to have you! Please refer to “council structure” below to view our committees and what they do. Then, e-mail your contact info to the appropriate committee chair, Lori Revely and Ann McLeod and we’ll get you on board!.
Council Objectives
- Inform SAME of technical programs of interest to small business members
- Help shape SAME’s Federal Small Business Conference for the AEC Industry
- Provide opportunities to collaborate with key government stakeholders
- Represent small business interests on select SAME national committees
- Keep members informed on small business regulations and legislation
- Provide opportunities to highlight small business success stories and lessons learned
Council Chair
Lori Revely, F.SAME, Cavalry Consulting
Steering Committee
Chair Elect: Corey Pacer, Pro2Serve
Secretary: Jana Roy, Moffatt Nicol
Vice Chair of Communication: Archisha Mehan, FedConsult
The Communications Committee supports the engagement to SAME’s small business community, production of the monthly Small Business newsletter, informational outreach to SAME members, and provides suggestions for content to appear in national publications.Vice Chair of Digital Strategy and Innovation: Zach Pesicka, WSP
The Digital Strategy and Innovation team advises on artificial intelligence and emerging technology adoption and how small businesses can adopt and integrate them in their operations.Vice Chair of Recognition: Garrett Terlaak, Overwatch Construction Management
The Recognition Committee helps recognize small businesses in the society through awards programs, helps review nominations and Post streamer submissions, and recommends award recipients.Vice Chair of Education & Training: Bre Jones, Martinez Construction
The Education & Training committee develops webinars and continuing education opportunities.Vice Chair of Outreach: Scott Porter, Advanced Engineering Consultants Ltd.
The Outreach committee helps support Post Small Business Liaisons and supports small business membership recruitment efforts.Vice Chair of Programs & Events: Jeff Duguid, RLF
The Programs & Events committee supports JETC and SBC, providing input on the creation of Calls for Presentations, review of abstract submissions, recommending other speakers and sessions, value-added activities to the events, and the continuous improvement and expansion of the events.Vice Chair, C3 Liaison: Prisco Ravelli, 24HRC
The COI Liaison Committee supports interaction between the SB Council and other SAME councils, communities, and committees and supports engagement with relevant SAME Strategic Partner organizations.Past Chair: Sally Clark, Procon Consulting
SAME National Office POC: Ann McLeod & Annie Wrobel
SAME National Webinars
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- Webinar
Ready, Set, SBC: Creating a Killer Capability Statement to Communicate Value
Let’s say you have 6 seconds to convince a government buyer or teaming partner that you are competent, capable, and mature. Can you do it? Is your pitch ready? This SBC pre-conference webinar is a fast-paced, high-energy session delivering step-by-step tactics for a capability statement that works. A capability statement is the de facto marketing tool for small and mid-size federal companies. -
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AI as Load Shock: Rethinking Energy Security and Mission Assurance
The rapid expansion of AI computing, electrification, and mission-critical digital infrastructure is fundamentally altering the energy security landscape. While AI is often discussed as a software capability or data challenge, its most immediate national security impact is physical: unprecedented, concentrated, and inflexible electrical demand that stresses grid infrastructure and traditional resilience assumptions. -
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Ready. Set. SBC: Party of One: Maximizing SBC on Your Own
Heading to SAME’s Small Business Conference solo? A team of one can still make a big impact with the right strategy. Hear from experienced SBC attendees on how to prioritize your time, navigate networking opportunities, make meaningful connections, and get the most value from the conference without trying to be everywhere at once. -
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Ready. Set. SBC: Small Team, Big Impact: Booth Best Practices for SAME SBC
You don’t need a large team or an elaborate booth to make an impact at SAME’s Small Business Conference. This webinar will introduce you to three very experienced SBC exhibitors who will share practical strategies for engaging attendees, start meaningful conversations, manage your booth with minimal staff, and make the most of every interaction. -
- Webinar
SAME National Leadership Opportunities 2026
Interested in exploring leadership opportunities at the national level within SAME? Have you ever wondered how to get involved in a national leadership role? It’s easier than you may think, and yes, you have what it takes! And with SAME national leadership nominations opening Oct. 1, the timing is perfect to learn more.
Partner Events
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- The National Press Club
SAME DC and AMFP DC-Baltimore – Wed., Sept. 16 – Healthcare Panel Lunch Program (2 PDH)
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- ACG Headquarters
CxA Workshop & Exam
Related TME Articles – Small Business
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From Obligation Pressures to Mission Readiness: Rethinking Project Delivery in Defense Programs
Looking Forward presented by Procore. The next evolution in project delivery is the expansion from a system of record to a system of intelligence and collaboration where the value of centralized data is amplified through near real-time visibility and connected workflows. Leaders can move beyond static reporting and begin to understand what is happening across the portfolio as it unfolds. -
The Rise of Design Joint Ventures in the A/E Industry
Innovation Theater presented by Jacobs. Architects and engineers are moving between firms more frequently, taking their expertise and credentials with them. This has led companies to reconsider strategies for pursuing large design contracts—and they are increasingly choosing joint ventures (JVs) as a viable option. -
The Importance of a Commitment to Partnership
Overcoming the unexpected challenges that arose during a rehabilitation and modernization project at Naval Support Activity Naples demonstrates how an effective partnering program can transform potential obstacles into opportunities for innovation and success. -
Effective Partnering In-Country
While venturing into the overseas market can be full of unforeseen obstacles, having the right local partners can make a global transition successful for U.S. contractors.
SAME Strategic Partners – Learn More
“SAME’s Federal Small Business Conference is the best event to network and learn about the priorities of our government clients. It continues to be the capstone of our federal business development initiatives each year, and a major driving force to collaborate and connect with our clients, teaming partners and colleagues in the market.”
Candice Scale, F.SAME, HDR Inc.