New Developments for SBA’s HUBZone Program

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program underwent a major rule change in January 2025, as we wrote about here . In this blog, PilieroMazza examines new developments that clarify our understanding of the HUBZone rules and how the HUBZone Program is positioned to help the Trump Administration meet its objective to grow domestic small business manufacturing. SBA’s Made in America Manufacturing Initiative At a recent event, an SBA official explained that one of the agency’s key . . . Read More

OHA Confirms: SBA Must Consider Operating Agreements in Joint Venture Size Determinations

A recent Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) decision in the Size Appeal of DecisionPoint-Agile Defense JV, LLC , SIZ-6336 (Feb. 12, 2025) highlights the critical role of a thorough SBA review in small business size determinations. OHA overturned an adverse size determination after finding the SBA Area Office improperly refused to consider the mentor protégé joint venture’s (JV) operating agreement (OA) simply because it was not expressly incorporated into the joint venture agreement (JVA). This decision reinforces that a well-drafted operating agreement . . . Read More

SBA’s 180-Day Recertification Rule: Clarifying the Meaning of “Offer” in Size Determinations

In a recent decision by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA), the Size Appeal of Secise, LLC, SBA No. SIZ-6337 (Feb. 19, 2025) clarified an important exception to the general rule for determining a firm’s size status. The ruling addressed the meaning of “offer” under the SBA’s 180-day rule, a key factor in determining whether a firm remains eligible for a small business set-aside contract following a merger, sale, or acquisition. The Case at a Glance Under SBA regulations, a firm’s size is generally determined . . . Read More

Cy Alba Explains SBA Final Rule and Implications for GovCon Mergers and Acquisitions

PilieroMazza ’s Cy Alba was recently featured in a podcast and webinar discussing SBA’s Final Rule and its implications on mergers and acquisitions in the government contracting arena. Visit the links below to access the podcast and webinar. Also, visit this link for additional coverage from PilieroMazza on SBA’s Final Rule. sbLiftOff Podcast: SBA Rule Will Affect the Value of Some Small Businesses: New GovCon Mergers and Acquisition Rules EXPLAINED OrangeSlices AI Webinar: SBA Earthquake: New Regulations Affecting M&A About Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV Cy counsels clients in a broad range of government . . . Read More

SBA Update: New Rule Makes Major Changes to Eligibility and Certification Requirements for HUBZone Program

As PilieroMazza noted recently  here , on December 17, 2024, the Small Business Administration (SBA or the Agency) published a final rule  that will make changes to its regulations for the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program and clarify certain program policies. This final rule goes into effect on January 16, 2025, and “will apply to existing contracts.” [1] Below are some key high-level takeaways on changes to the HUBZone Program. Attorneys in PilieroMazza ’s  Government Contracts Group released a series of client alerts on different aspects of . . . Read More