SBA’s Non-Manufacturer Rule Gets a Major Overhaul—Here’s What Small Businesses Must Know

The Small Business Administration (SBA) just dropped a major update that every product reseller, distributor, and VAR in federal contracting needs to have on their radar. As of July 14, 2025, the SBA clarified the Non-Manufacturer Rule (NMR), tightening the screws on who can qualify for set-aside supply contracts—and when. If you supply goods to the federal government, especially under programs like 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or WOSB, this is going to impact how you bid, win, and stay compliant.