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Insight Horizon Media

What does the GSA consider a small business?

Author

Sarah Cherry

Published Mar 10, 2026

What does the GSA consider a small business?

For the purpose of defining business size, the annual receipts of a company is defined as the average annual receipts received during the last three years. If you are in the business of Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (NAICS code 334310), you are considered a small business if you have less than 750 employees.

How do I register my company with GSA?

All vendors must register with the GSA Vendor Support Center (VSC) online at or by calling toll free at 877-495-4849 (M-F 7:30-5:30 PM EST). If you use SIP it will prompt you for registration information. The VSC will provide you with a password that is required on all catalog submissions.

How do you get GSA approved?

The following process is required for all vendors working with GSA:

  1. Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier.
  2. Get a North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) Code.
  3. Verify Your Small Business Status on the Small Business Administration (SBA) Website.
  4. Register with the System for Award Management (SAM)

Is SBA part of GSA?

Washington, DC – The General Services Administration and Small Business Administration have entered into a partnership agreement to assist Federal agencies boost the SBA’s 8(a) program through use of the GSA Federal Supply Service schedules program.

What is GSA certification?

GSA Approval is a status used to describe organizations that have been approved to sell to the United States Government through the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). GSA approval is a non-industry specific status for organizations that manufacture products or provide services that the U.S. Government uses.

What is CCR registration?

US Federal Contractor Registration helps contractors complete and maintain their SAM Registration. Click here to complete your SAM Registration. Businesses who work with US Federal Contractor Registration also receive a Verified Vendor Seal.

How long does it take to get GSA certified?

If you are familiar with GSA rules and regulations, it can take about 6-12 months from submission to award. If you are not familiar with the GSA world and you submit a proposal on your own without the help of a consultant, the process could take at least a year, if not longer.

What are the easiest government contracts to get?

As a subcontractor under an experienced prime contractor, you can gain tremendous experience and insights into how to effectively manage a contract and avoid the very real risk of “winning yourself out of business.” For most first-time entrepreneurs in the Federal Government contracting industry, subcontracting is the …

How do I become a CCR?

The quickest way to register is via the Internet at For details on the information that is required, see the CCR Handbook at With the necessary information on hand, the on-line registration should take approximately 30 minutes.

How do I get a government contract for my Small Business?

Small Business. The federal government devotes resources specifically to working with small businesses to assist them in finding federal contract opportunities. If you are a small business, you may “self-certify” on the Small Business Administration website and then register to do business with the federal government on SAM.gov.

How do I go about getting a GSA Schedule?

GSA Schedule procurements go through GSA ebuy and beta.SAM.gov . Who in my company should take the Pathways to Success training? GSA requires that a company officer (e.g., Pres., VP, CEO, etc.) take the Pathways to Success training.

Can I negotiate my GSA contract price?

Prior to award of your GSA contract, you will negotiate your standard Equitable Price Adjustment (EPA). GSA maintains a standard of no more than a 10% price increase per category item yearly unless otherwise justified.

What does it mean to be an SBA approved small business?

An SBA designation for businesses that meet size standards set for each NAICS code. Most manufacturing companies with 500 employees or fewer, and most non-manufacturing businesses with average annual receipts under $7.5 million, will qualify as a small business. See Title 13 Part 121.201 of the Code of Federal Regulations for more information