The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially replaced the legacy Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) with the new Small Business Search (SBS), which launched on July 9, 2025. The SBS is now the primary database for contracting officers, prime contractors, and federal buyers to locate small businesses for contracting opportunities.
For small business owners, the SBS is more than just a directory. It is the first impression your company makes with buyers,and a properly optimized profile can significantly improve your chances of being discovered.
What is the Small Business Search (SBS)?
The SBS is an SBA-managed online platform that consolidates data from SAM.gov registrations and SBA certification programs, making it easier for buyers to find qualified small businesses using filters like:
- Business Name
- NAICS codes (industry classifications)
- Keywords/capabilities
- Location (city, state, ZIP, proximity)
- Certifications ( 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, EDWOSB, etc.)
Unlike SAM.gov which functions mainly as a registration and compliance system, SBS is designed to be a marketing and discovery tool for small business visibility.
Why Did the SBA Replace DSBS with SBS?
For more than fifteen years, the Dynamic Small Business Search was the primary database. However, it became outdated, slow, and difficult to navigate. In response, the SBA modernized the system with SBS to:
- Improve search functionality with advanced filters
- Provide a cleaner, more user-friendly design
- Automatically integrate with SAM.gov data and SBA certification programs
- Offer greater transparency for both agencies and small businesses
The change reflects the SBA’s broader effort to streamline federal procurement and make small business participation easier.
Key Features of the New SBS
- Advanced Search Options: Contracting officers can narrow searches by industry, keywords, revenue size, and certifications. Businesses can be found more easily if they use the right descriptors.
- Integrated Certifications: If your business holds SBA certifications including 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, or VOSB, they automatically appear in your profile, making it easier for contracting officers to verify your eligibility.
- Real-Time SAM.gov Sync: Your SBS profile pulls directly from your SAM.gov registration. Any updates you make in SAM, such as NAICS codes, points of contact, or business descriptions, flow automatically into SBS.
- Marketing Visibility: Your SBS profile can be shared directly with potential partners, primes, and agencies. It functions almost like a digital capability statement that agencies can view without requesting documents.
How to Leverage SBS as a Small Business
To make SBS work for you, follow these steps:
Keep your SAM Registration Active: Your SBS profile is only as strong as your SAM.gov registration. Incomplete or expired SAM records mean you will not appear in searches. Always renew annually, double check your NAICS codes, and ensure your entity information is correct.
Optimize Your Capabilities Narrative: When agencies search by keywords, the information comes from your SAM registration. Use specific language about the products or services you provide. Include industry terminology and synonyms to maximize search visibility. Avoid vague phrases like “consulting services” and be specific about the industries you serve.
Highlight Your SBA Certifications: If you are certified as 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, EDWOSB, VOSB, or SDVOSB, make sure that your profile reflects it. Certifications increase your visibility for set-aside contracts.
Use Your Profile as a Marketing Tool: Share your SBS link with potential partners or primes. Include it on your capability statement, email signature, or website.
Update Regularly: Keep your points of contact, capabilities, and company details current. Outdated information can lead to missed opportunities.
Why SBS is Critical for Winning Contracts
Federal contracting officers rely heavily on search tools when awarding set-aside contracts. With SBS now replacing DSBS, this is the primary way your business will be discovered. If your profile is incomplete, contracting officers may never see your business even if you are fully qualified.
Prime contractors also use SBS to find small business subcontractors to meet their federal requirements. A complete profile gives you visibility not just for direct awards but also for teaming opportunities.
The SBS is also one of the most cost-effective marketing platforms because it is free to maintain and tied directly to federal procurement.
Small Business Opportunities
The Small Business Administration (SBA) reinforces that purchases above the micro-purchase threshold and under the SAT are automatically set aside for small businesses when there are at least two capable firms (known as the “Rule of Two”). This ensures that businesses gain priority access to billions in simplified acquisition contracts each year.
Taking advantage of these opportunities requires more than just being eligible. Businesses must ensure their registrations, profiles, and certifications are accurate and complete. This is where FAMR supports clients by helping them stay compliant, visible, and ready to respond when opportunities arise.
Small business programs that benefit include:
- 8(a) Business Development Program
- Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program
- HUBZone Program
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program
Conclusion
The updated Simplified Acquisition Thresholds expand opportunities for small businesses while making it easier and faster for agencies to procure goods and services. With reduced administrative requirements, agencies benefit from efficiency, and small businesses gain greater access to federal contracting opportunities.
No. Any small business with an active SAM.gov registration will appear in SBS. However, SBA certifications such as 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, EDWOSB, VOSB, and SDVOSB will be highlighted in your profile, making you more visible to contracting officers and prime contractors.
Most of the data in SBS comes directly from SAM.gov. That means you need to update your SAM registration to make changes. However, SBS allows you to log in with your MySBA account to claim your profile and add details such as a capabilities narrative.
Your SBS profile updates automatically when you make changes in SAM.gov, but you should review your information at least every quarter. Keeping your narrative, NAICS codes, and contact information current ensures that contracting officers can trust your profile.
Yes. You can share your SBS profile link directly in proposals, capability statements, email signatures, or on your website. This gives partners and buyers an official SBA-verified source of information about your company.
