SBA Releases FY 2025 Small Business Contracting Scorecard

by | Jul 3, 2026 | 8a/Minority-Owned, Business, economics, Government Contracts, HUBZone, News, Politics, SAM Registration, SDVOSV & VOSB/Veteran-Owned, Trades, VOSB, WOSB/Women-Owned

SBA Releases FY 2025 Small Business Contracting Scorecard

What It Means for Government Contractors

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently released its Fiscal Year 2025 Small Business Procurement Scorecard, and the results reinforce one important message for businesses considering government contracting:
The federal government continues to invest heavily in small businesses.
During FY 2025, small businesses received nearly 28% of all federal prime contract dollars, exceeding the government’s statutory goal of 23%. That represents approximately $179 billion in prime contract awards and nearly $273 billion when subcontracting opportunities are included. For businesses looking to enter or expand within the government marketplace, these numbers demonstrate that federal agencies continue to rely on qualified small businesses across virtually every industry.

The Numbers Behind FY 2025

According to the SBA: ⭐ $179 billion awarded through prime contracts to small businesses ⭐ Nearly $273 billion awarded through prime contracts and subcontracts combined ⭐ 28% of all federal prime contract dollars awarded to small businesses ⭐ More than 1.2 million American jobs supported through small business contracting ⭐ The federal government received an overall A grade for meeting small business goals
These awards supported businesses involved in:
• Construction • Manufacturing • Information Technology • Research & Development • Defense • Professional Services • Transportation • Engineering • Healthcare • Facility Support Services
For many small businesses, government contracting continues to provide a significant source of long-term revenue and stability.

Federal Contracting Continues to Create Opportunity

One of the biggest takeaways from this year’s scorecard is that federal agencies continue to prioritize working with qualified small businesses. Whether your company provides professional services, construction, janitorial services, cybersecurity, logistics, manufacturing, staffing, or specialized consulting, there are contracting opportunities available throughout the federal marketplace. However, winning contracts requires more than simply finding opportunities.
Businesses must first be properly positioned to compete.

Being Eligible Isn’t the Same as Being Contract Ready

Many business owners assume they can register in SAM.gov and immediately begin winning contracts. In reality, agencies evaluate vendors based on much more than a registration.
Successful contractors typically have:
✔ An active and optimized SAM registration ✔ Proper NAICS and PSC code alignment ✔ A professional Capability Statement ✔ Relevant past performance ✔ Appropriate certifications when applicable ✔ A clear understanding of where opportunities exist ✔ A strategy for marketing to government agencies and prime contractors Without these foundational elements, many qualified businesses never receive serious consideration.

Changes Within SBA Programs

The FY 2025 scorecard also highlights several policy and administrative changes affecting certain SBA contracting programs, including updates involving the 8(a) Business Development Program and Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert).

The SBA reported increased oversight, compliance reviews, and administrative changes aimed at strengthening program integrity while continuing to support qualified small businesses participating in federal procurement. Businesses participating in SBA certification programs should stay informed about evolving program requirements and ensure they remain compliant with all applicable regulations.

What This Means for Small Businesses

The latest procurement scorecard reinforces several important trends: ✔ Federal agencies continue exceeding small business contracting goals. ✔ Billions of dollars remain available to qualified small businesses each year. ✔ Competition remains strong, making preparation more important than ever. ✔ Businesses that invest in becoming contract-ready are often better positioned to pursue federal opportunities. Whether you’re new to government contracting or looking to expand your existing efforts, preparation can make a significant difference in your ability to compete.

How Select GCR Helps Businesses Prepare

At Select GCR, we help businesses understand what it takes to compete in today’s government marketplace. Our team assists companies with building a strong contracting foundation through services such as: ✔ SAM Registration & Optimization ✔ Capability Statements ✔ NAICS & PSC Code Alignment ✔ Small Business Certification Support ✔ Opportunity Research ✔ Procurement Strategy ✔ Government Marketing Guidance ✔ Contract Readiness Consulting Our goal is simple: help businesses become better positioned to pursue federal, state, local, and prime contractor opportunities with confidence.

Final Thoughts…

The SBA’s FY 2025 Small Business Procurement Scorecard demonstrates that government agencies continue to invest heavily in America’s small businesses. While billions of dollars are available, success rarely happens by chance. Companies that understand the procurement process, maintain accurate registrations, and present themselves professionally are generally in a much stronger position to compete. If you’ve been considering government contracting, now is an excellent time to evaluate whether your business is truly contract-ready.  
The opportunities are there. The question is whether your business is positioned to take advantage of them.