Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) status is the foundation for all federal small business contracting. To access the 23% of federal contracts set aside for small businesses, you must be registered in SAM.gov and meet the size standards for your industry. This is free and essential for any business pursuing government work.
- Issuing body
- SBA (Small Business Administration)
- Cost
- Free
- Processing
- 15-30 days
- Recognition
- National
Who qualifies for SBE?
To qualify as a small business:
**Size Standards:**
- Must meet SBA size standards for your primary NAICS code
- Size standards vary by industry
- Based on annual revenue or number of employees depending on industry
- Example: Most professional services = $16.5M - $41.5M annual revenue
- Example: Most manufacturing = 500-1500 employees
**Ownership:**
- No specific ownership requirements for basic SB status
- Just need to meet size standards
**Location:**
- Must be a U.S. business
How to apply for SBE
**Step 1: Get Your UEI**
SAM.gov will assign you a Unique Entity ID when you register.
**Step 2: Register in SAM.gov**
Complete your SAM.gov registration (required for all federal contracting).
**Step 3: Self-Certify Size**
In SAM.gov, self-certify your small business status under your NAICS codes.
**Step 4: Maintain Registration**
SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.
**No Application Fee**
SAM.gov registration is completely free.
What you'll need to apply
For SAM.gov registration:
- UEI number (assigned automatically in SAM.gov)
- Tax Identification Number (EIN)
- Banking information
- NAICS codes
- Business address
- Business point of contact
- Optional: Past performance information
What SBE unlocks
**Federal Contracting:**
- Access to 23% of federal contracts set aside for small businesses
- Small business set-aside competitions
- Subcontracting opportunities with large primes
**Foundation for Other Certifications:**
- Required for 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB certifications
- Must be small to access most small business programs
**Visibility:**
- Listed in SAM.gov database
- Searchable by federal contracting officers
Where applicants get tripped up
- Know your NAICS codes and verify you're small under each
- Keep SAM.gov registration current (expires annually)
- Calculate your size carefully - it's based on 5-year average
- Size can change over time as you grow
Keeping your SBE certification active
SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually before expiration. Set a reminder 30-60 days before expiration to ensure continuous eligibility.
Companies that accept SBE
24 corporate programs accept SBE. First 12 below.
- Boeing f500
- Lockheed Martin f500
- McKesson f500
- Microsoft Corporation f100
- AECOM f500
- BAE Systems large
- Booz Allen Hamilton large
- CACI International large
- Cardinal Health f500
- Chevron Corporation f100
- Fluor Corporation f500
- General Dynamics f500
Questions applicants ask about SBE
Is SAM.gov registration really free?
Yes. Watch out for scam sites that charge fees.
How often do I need to renew?
SAM.gov registration expires annually and must be renewed.
What if I'm not small under my NAICS code?
You won't qualify for small business set-asides for that NAICS code, but may be small under other codes.
Do I need to be small to do any federal contracting?
No, but you won't have access to small business set-asides.
Pursuing SBE?
The quiz checks your business against every federal, national, and state certification we track and orders the matches by which corporate or government buyers accept each one. Most owners qualify for two or three. If SBE is one of yours, the application link goes directly to SBA (Small Business Administration).