Update: SBA hosting virtual public forum on proposed rule overhauling small business size standards

Recently, McDonald Hopkins wrote about the Small Business Administration’s proposed rule that would fundamentally overhaul how the SBA determines industry-specific small business size standards. (Read our original article here.)

Now, the SBA is holding a virtual public forum on the proposed rule on Thursday, Sept. 17. Attendees must pre-register through this link: Virtual Public Forum on Proposed Size Standards and Methodology Revisions | U.S. Small Business Administration.

As a reminder, if finalized, the proposed rule could have far-reaching implications for small businesses and stakeholders across hundreds of industries. The SBA estimates the changes could qualify more than 114,000 additional businesses as “small,” potentially expanding their access to federal set-aside contracts and certain SBA loan programs.

Businesses that could be affected by the proposed changes should consider attending the forum and monitoring the rulemaking process as it moves forward.  If you have any questions about how this rule might affect your business, or you would like assistance in submitting formal comments to SBA, due Sept. 21, 2026, please contact Carissa Siebeneck Anderson in McDonald Hopkins Government Contracting and Procurements Practice Group or Francis Massaro in the M&A Practice Group.