Small Business Administration (SBA)
The federal agency that administers small-business size standards, set-aside certifications, and small-business lending programs.
Definition
The US Small Business Administration is the federal agency responsible for the small-business contracting framework. The SBA maintains the Table of Small Business Size Standards (which defines who is "small" by NAICS code), certifies eligibility for set-aside programs (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, EDWOSB, SDVOSB), administers small-business mentor-protege relationships, and runs lending programs including the Surety Bond Guarantee Program.
When it applies
Federal small-business contracting goals require agencies to award 23% of contract dollars to small businesses. The SBA negotiates these goals with each agency and tracks performance. For vendors, SBA certifications unlock set-aside eligibility and small-business preference programs.