SBA’s New SBS Platform Just Rewrote the Rulebook for Small Contractors

The U.S. Small Business Administration just launched a major update to how government buyers find small business vendors — and if your company relies on being seen for set-asides or subcontracting work, this one matters. The new Small Business Search (SBS) platform, which officially replaced the old Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) in July 2025, is more than a facelift. It’s a full rebuild, and your visibility in the federal marketplace depends on how well you adapt to it.

Here’s what’s changed, why it matters, and what you need to do to stay competitive.

DSBS Is Gone. SBS Is the New Game in Town.

SBS is now the official SBA platform for federal buyers, primes, and small businesses looking to connect. Like DSBS, it pulls company data from your SAM.gov profile — but that’s where the similarities end.

The new platform features:

• A clean, modern interface (mobile-friendly, finally)

• Smart search filters for NAICS codes, certifications, bonding levels, and more

• Keyword-friendly search with typo tolerance

• Prominent display of SBA certifications like 8(a), WOSB, and SDVOSB

• Downloadable, customized vendor lists

• A new “Market Insights” tool that shows certification breakdowns in search results

• The ability to “claim” and edit your profile directly in SBS (instead of only via SAM)

Why It Matters for Small Businesses

If you were in DSBS before, your data should have migrated — but many contractors have already reported missing keywords, incomplete capabilities narratives, and broken visibility due to SAM opt-out settings.

Here’s what this means in practice:

• No SAM = No SBS visibility. If your SAM registration is lapsed, you are invisible. Period.

• Opted out of public display in SAM? You might still be hidden in SBS — even from government buyers.

• Missing keywords or NAICS codes? You may not show up at all in filtered search results.

• Unclaimed profile? You can’t edit or enhance key marketing sections like your capability statement.

The SBS rollout is one of the biggest shifts in how small businesses are found for government contracting opportunities in years. And with more than $160 billion annually awarded to small firms, not showing up in this system could cost you.

How to Stay Ahead: 6 Profile Optimization Tips

If your company depends on being found for 8a contracts services, subcontracting, or set-aside awards — now’s the time to act. Here’s how to take control of your SBS profile:

1. Log in and Claim Your Profile

• Go to the SBS platform, create an account, and “claim” your business using your SAM UEI and CAGE code.

• This unlocks profile editing and lets you digitally certify your small business status.

2. Complete or Re-enter Your Capability Narrative

• This critical marketing section didn’t carry over cleanly from DSBS for many firms.

• Treat it like your elevator pitch — include industry keywords, project examples, and what sets you apart.

3. Add Specific Keywords

• Use the keywords field to list product names, NAICS codes, past contract terms, and technologies.

• Think like a contracting officer doing market research: what would they search for?

4. Check Your Certifications

• Ensure your SBA certifications (like 8a certification assistance, women owned small business certification, or disabled veteran small business certification) appear properly.

• If anything is missing, contact SBA or update your SAM profile as needed.

5. Update Your Contact Info in SAM

• Your SBS contact info is pulled from SAM.gov — if your POC, phone, or email is outdated, fix it now.

• Consider using a P.O. box if you opted out of public display for privacy. Being hidden can kill your visibility.

6. Expand and Verify Your NAICS Codes

• The contractor NAICS code list in SAM determines which searches you appear in.

• Add all that apply and make sure you qualify as “small” under each — SBS only shows you if SBA flags you as small for that code.

The Big Picture: Don’t Sleep on This Transition

The SBS platform isn’t perfect yet — bugs in capabilities narratives and opt-out visibility are still being ironed out. But this is the future of how federal buyers will find small businesses. And with federal contracting certifications and government procurement increasingly relying on digital market research, your SBS profile might be more important than your website.

This rollout is also a wake-up call for firms sitting on expired SAM registrations or relying on certifications that aren’t properly reflected. Whether you're seeking SBIR grant assistance, Government Contract Proposal Writing gigs, or competing for 8a contracts services, SBS is now the front door. Don’t leave it locked.

Want to double-check your profile or get help writing your narrative? Tap into your APEX Accelerator, reach out to a consultant, or get guidance on the government contracting certification process from someone who lives and breathes federal procurement.

For a deeper dive into how NAICS code selection affects your SBS visibility, check out our companion blog post:
The Most Competitive Federal Contracting NAICS Codes of 2024 (and How Small Businesses Can Still Win)

If you aren't a Squared Compass partner, what are you waiting for? From getting your business set up with specific government set aside programs at both the State and Federal level, to being empowered by a Fractional Capture team to win government contracts, to receiving tailored government contract opportunities Squared Compass delivers immense value which helps propel our partners to success. Schedule a chat with our team today.