99 -- Testing Laboratories Size Standard-Final Rule

The U.S. Small Business Administration has officially increased the small business size standard for the Testing Laboratories industry from $6 million to $10 million in average annual receipts. This adjustment, finalized in a rule published on December 29, 2003, and effective as of January 28, 2004, expands the eligibility threshold for businesses to qualify as small in this sector. This change aims to better reflect the economic realities of the industry and provide greater opportunity for more businesses to benefit from SBA programs targeted to small enterprises. The rule detailing this updated size standard is available publicly through the Federal Register and SBA's official website. While the announcement does not specify additional details such as solicitation numbers or agency contacts, it emphasizes the standardized threshold increase as a key update in the federal procurement and small business size eligibility criteria. This revision in size standards is critical for testing laboratories seeking federal contracts, as it directly impacts their classification and access to set-aside contract opportunities.