99 -- SBA HAS ADOPTED $15 MILLION AS SIZE STANDARD FOR ''FOREST FIRE SUPPRESSION SERVICES

The U.S. Small Business Administration has established a new size standard of $15 million in average annual receipts specifically for the "Forest Fire Suppression and Fuels Management Services" sector within the "Support Activities for Forestry" industry, as classified under NAICS 115310. This adjustment aims to more accurately determine which businesses qualify for federal small business assistance programs in these specialized activities. The size standard for other activities within the same industry remains at $6 million, preserving the previous threshold for those segments. This change took effect on July 7, 2003, and reflects the SBA's effort to better tailor support and resources to businesses engaged in forest fire suppression and related services. The rule is part of an effort to clarify eligibility and eligibility criteria under the federal small business programs, ensuring that those companies providing critical forest fire suppression and fuels management services are appropriately categorized and able to access necessary support. The updated standards can be accessed online through SBA's official website and federal regulation portals, underscoring the government's commitment to transparency and accessibility of information related to small business assistance measures in forestry-related industries.