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FAR 19.102 links the NAICS code assigned to a solicitation with its SBA size standard and states that size status includes affiliates. SBA publishes additional certification requirements for its contracting programs.
Definition
NAICS codes influence set-aside eligibility because FAR 19.102 links the assigned code to the applicable SBA size standard and states that size status includes affiliates. SBA Certifications publishes additional program eligibility requirements.
Understanding the chain from industry code to contract eligibility
FAR 19.102 directs the contracting officer to select the code that best describes the acquisition’s principal purpose.
SBA establishes industry-by-industry size standards, and FAR 19.102 links the assigned code with its corresponding standard.
FAR 19.102 states that SBA determines size status, including affiliates, based on the concern’s representation in its initial offer.
SBA Certifications publishes WOSB and HUBZone eligibility requirements and links to its other certification programs.
Verify the assigned code, size standard, representation, and program status against current official sources.
| Check | Official source | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Assigned code | Current solicitation and FAR 19.102 | Confirm the NAICS code selected for the acquisition. |
| Size standard | Current solicitation and SBA size standards | Use the standard corresponding to the assigned code. |
| Size representation | FAR 19.301-1, FAR 19.301-2, and the offer instructions | Apply the relevant representation or rerepresentation rule. |
| Program eligibility | SBA Certifications and the solicitation | Verify every program-specific certification requirement. |
WOSB and EDWOSB competition is limited to SBA-designated NAICS codes. Verify current size rules at SBA.gov.
Use this as an orientation checklist, then verify the current SBA rules and the official solicitation
Open the Census Bureau NAICS search tool, then check the corresponding SBA size standard.
Confirm the assigned NAICS code, size standard, set-aside type, representation language, offer deadline, and any program-specific conditions in the current notice and amendments.
Open the SBA Size Standards Tool or current table for the assigned code. Standards and calculation rules can change, so avoid relying on an old copied threshold.
Calculate receipts or employees using the current rule and include affiliates where required. Seek qualified advice when ownership, control, joint ventures, mergers, or recertification make the analysis complex.
Use SBA Certifications to check the current eligibility rules, application process, and status for 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, or EDWOSB when the solicitation requires a program status.
Maintain accurate SAM.gov representations and any required SBA certification record, then follow the solicitation instructions. The contracting agency and SBA make official determinations.
Common errors that can create eligibility, protest, or proposal risk
Do not select a preferred size standard in place of the code assigned by the solicitation. SBA provides a time-limited NAICS appeal process when an interested party believes the assigned code is incorrect.
Check the assigned NAICS code, current SBA size standard, and the affiliation rule before making a size representation for an offer.
SBA states that WOSB and EDWOSB competitions use designated industries and that each program has its own standards and certification process. Verify the current record and solicitation.
FAR 19.102 connects the assigned NAICS code to its corresponding SBA size standard. SBA also limits WOSB and EDWOSB competitions to designated industries.
Use the official solicitation, the SBA Size Standards Tool and the SBA certification record to review the requirements for your business.
Explore tools and guides related to NAICS codes and set-aside programs
Overview of 8(a), SDVOSB, WOSB, and HUBZone programs
Browse active set-aside contract opportunities
Search contracts and filter by NAICS code
Look up NAICS, set-aside, and other contracting terms
Official SBA size standards table by NAICS code
Official NAICS code lookup tool
Common questions about NAICS codes and set-aside eligibility
The NAICS code assigned to a solicitation determines which SBA size standard applies to that procurement. Some programs, including WOSB and EDWOSB, also use an SBA-maintained list of eligible industries. FAR 19.102 directs size determinations to include affiliates, and SBA publishes separate certification rules for its programs.
SBA states that a business generally has a primary NAICS code and can also have multiple codes when it sells multiple products or services. FAR 19.102 links each solicitation, contract, and order to an assigned NAICS code and corresponding size standard.
The contracting officer assigns the NAICS code based on the principal purpose of the acquisition. SBA currently states that its Office of Hearings and Appeals must receive a NAICS-code appeal within 10 calendar days after issuance of the solicitation, or after an amendment that changes the code. Review SBA’s current NAICS Appeals instructions and controlling regulations before filing.
For a new offer, FAR 19.102 links the assigned NAICS code to its corresponding SBA size standard and states that size status includes affiliates.
No. SBA maintains a current list of industries eligible for WOSB or EDWOSB competition, and its certification page explains the program’s eligibility requirements. Do not infer eligibility from a general industry label.
Use a free call to discuss size standards, application requirements and paid registration support.