SDVOSB Size Standard Calculator
Enter any NAICS code to instantly see the SBA small business size standard — the revenue or employee ceiling that determines eligibility for SDVOSB set-aside contracts.
Look up a size standard
How the SBA size standard works
Common size standards by sector
Quick reference for the most common SDVOSB contracting sectors. Exact thresholds vary by code — use the calculator above for a precise lookup.
| Sector | Typical NAICS range | Common size standard | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT / Software | 541511–541519, 518210 | $34M | Revenue |
| Professional Services / Consulting | 541611–541690 | $19M | Revenue |
| Engineering Services (A/E) | 541330 | $25.5M | Revenue |
| Intelligence & SOF Training | 611699, 541690, 611430 | $12–19M | Revenue |
| General Construction | 236xxx, 237xxx | $45M | Revenue |
| Specialty Trade Construction | 238xxx | $22.5M | Revenue |
| Logistics / Warehousing | 493xxx, 488510 | $19–34M | Revenue |
| Facilities Support / Janitorial | 561210, 561720 | $22–47M | Revenue |
| R&D / Biotech / Defense Electronics | 541714, 334511 | 1,000–1,250 | Employees |
| Aircraft / Defense Manufacturing | 336411–336415 | 1,250–1,500 | Employees |
| Healthcare / Clinical Services | 621xxx | $22.5M | Revenue |
| Education / Training | 611xxx | $12M | Revenue |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SBA size standard for SDVOSB contracts?
An SBA size standard is the maximum revenue (in average annual receipts) or employee count a business may have and still qualify as a small business under a specific NAICS code. For SDVOSB set-aside contracts, you must meet both the SBA size standard for the procurement's primary NAICS code and hold current SDVOSB certification through the VA's Veterans First Contracting Program (VFCP).
How do I find the size standard for my NAICS code?
Enter your 6-digit NAICS code in the calculator above and the SBA size standard will appear immediately. Size standards are published by the SBA in its official Table of Small Business Size Standards and are updated periodically. Revenue-based standards are measured using a 3-year average of annual receipts. Employee-based standards are measured using a 12-month average of full-time equivalent employees.
How is the SBA size standard calculated for revenue-based codes?
For revenue-based NAICS codes, the SBA measures your average annual receipts for the three most recently completed fiscal years. This includes revenue from all sources and all affiliates. If your business has operated fewer than three years, the average is computed over the years in existence. The SBA's affiliation rules can combine your revenue with that of affiliated companies, which may push you over the threshold.
What is the difference between revenue-based and employee-based size standards?
Most professional services, construction, and support services NAICS codes use revenue-based size standards (measured in millions of dollars of average annual receipts). Manufacturing, certain R&D, and transportation NAICS codes typically use employee-based size standards (measured as the average number of full-time equivalent employees over the past 12 months). The calculator will indicate which type applies to each code.
Does meeting the size standard automatically make me SDVOSB eligible?
No. Meeting the SBA size standard is one requirement, but SDVOSB eligibility also requires: (1) at least 51% unconditional ownership by one or more service-disabled veterans, (2) the service-disabled veteran(s) must control day-to-day management and long-term decision-making, and (3) current certification through the SBA VetCert program (formerly VA's VFCP). Size is verified at time of initial offer; ownership and control are verified through the certification process.
Can I be in different NAICS codes with different size standards?
Yes. Your small business status is determined on a contract-by-contract basis using the primary NAICS code assigned to each solicitation. You may qualify as small for one NAICS code but not another, depending on your revenue and the specific size standard. Many SDVOSB firms register under multiple NAICS codes in SAM.gov to be eligible for a wider range of set-aside opportunities.
What happens if I exceed the size standard after winning an SDVOSB set-aside contract?
Once you are found to be a small business at time of award, you generally retain that status for the duration of the contract (including options), even if you later exceed the size standard. However, this does not apply to task order contracts under GWACs or IDIQs, where size is re-checked at the task order level. SBA encourages businesses to maintain accurate size status in SAM.gov.
Related resources
Get pre-RFP intelligence for your NAICS codes
Signals tracking new SDVOSB set-aside opportunities across your primary NAICS codes — delivered before the RFP drops.
Subscribe to the Brief