The SBA releases new size standards within the construction and power industries.

Effective January 22, 2014, SBA has changed the size standards in some very significant industries. The utilities and construction industries will be affected.

1. There were significant changes within the power industries NAICS Codes 221xxx

   Within the power generation sector, where previously the NAICS size was based on amount of power generated (megawatts) it has been changed to an employee standard (number of employees). This means that where, in previous years, a facility calculated the number of annual megawatts generated, it now calculates its size based on the number of employees. For instance, Hydroelectric power (NAICS 22111) was limited to 4 million megawatt hours per annum now is limited to 500 employees. Fossil Fuel power generation, (NAICS 221112) previously set at 4 million megawatt hours per annum now is limited to 750 employees. For this and many other categories, please email us.

2. In the construction industry, SBA addressed some of their more controversial NAICS, including the dredging category (NAICS 237990)

   Land Subdivision (NAICS 237210) was increased from $7.0 Million to $25.5 Million, a major increase which should make many formerly large busiensses eligible to qualify as small. NAICS 237990, Other heavy and Civil Engineering Construction, Except Dredging and Surfacr Cleanup Activities was raised from $20.0 Milllion to $25.5 Million. Unfortunately, while SBA requested comments on the controversial Footnote 2 to the dredging NAICS, which requires that, to qualify as small, a firm must perform at least 40 percent of the volume dredged with its own equipment or equipment owned by another small dredging business, the Agency is keeping Footnote 2 without change.