SBE Certification for Printing & Packaging Companies

For small businesses meeting SBA size standards.

Printing and packaging offers steady, relationship-driven opportunities for diverse suppliers. Here's why certification matters:

Corporate Procurement Goals: Studies show that companies allocating 20% or more of spending to diverse suppliers report 10-15% higher annual sales. This gives procurement managers a strong incentive to shift printing and packaging spend to certified diverse suppliers.

Xerox Alliance Program: Xerox, a global leader in managed print services, operates a Supplier Connection Program that proactively identifies, builds relationships with, and procures goods and services from certified diverse businesses. Their Tier II program also encourages Xerox's own suppliers to subcontract to diverse firms.

Packaging Industry Leaders: Companies like Graphic Packaging and WestRock (now Smurfit WestRock) have dedicated supplier diversity initiatives, seeking diverse suppliers across packaging materials, printing services, and logistics.

Every Company Prints: Marketing collateral, product packaging, labels, business forms, direct mail, signage, and branded merchandise—every corporation has ongoing printing needs. These are recurring purchases that build long-term relationships.

Government Printing Office (GPO): The U.S. Government Publishing Office contracts with private sector printers for a significant portion of government printing needs, creating additional opportunities for certified diverse print companies.

Digital Transformation: As printing evolves toward variable data printing, wide-format, and specialty applications, diverse suppliers can differentiate through technology adoption and niche capabilities.

Must meet SBA size standards for your industry (based on employees or revenue).

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

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.

Federal Opportunities

Key agencies and programs for printing and packaging:

• U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO): Contracts with private sector printers for government publications, forms, and materials
• Department of Defense (DoD): Military publications, training materials, packaging for defense logistics
• General Services Administration (GSA): Government-wide printing and publication services
• Department of Health & Human Services (HHS): Public health materials, Medicare publications

Key Contract Vehicles

• GPO Term Contracts (multi-year printing agreements)
• GSA MAS for printing and publications services
• Agency-specific printing BPAs
• 8(a) sole-source contracts for printing services

Categories of Government Printing

• Forms and publications
• Direct mail and outreach materials
• Training manuals and guides
• Signage and wayfinding
• Packaging for military and government supplies
• Variable data printing (personalized mailings)
• Large-format printing (posters, banners)

State and Local

State agencies, school districts, and municipalities all contract for printing services. Many have diverse supplier preferences and set-aside programs.