The End of Small Business Set-Aside (SBSA) SINs: What Contractors Need to Know

If you hold a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract, you've probably noticed the change that place in Refresh 24, released in January 2025. One of the biggest updates is the beginning of the end for Small Business Set-Aside (SBSA) SINs.

What Were SBSA SINs?

SBSA SINs were originally created as a workaround to help small businesses compete on the GSA Schedule. Years ago, set-asides weren’t allowed at the order level under MAS contracts. So, GSA introduced SBSA SINs—separate SIN categories restricted to small businesses only.

The problem? If a company held both SBSA and non-SBSA SINs, they had to juggle two different contracts, which added unnecessary complexity and administrative burden.

Since regulations have long since changed to allow set-asides at the order level, SBSA SINs are no longer needed.

The Benefits of the Transition

While the end of SBSA SINs may feel like a setback, the transition brings several advantages:

• Simplified Contract Management: Consolidating SBSA SINs into non-SBSA SINs means managing fewer contracts, which reduces administrative work by up to 30% according to past contractor feedback.

  
  

• Increased Competitiveness: Small businesses will still have the opportunity to obtain set-aside task orders under the updated structure. In 2022, small businesses captured 25% of the federal contracting market—showing that opportunities remain strong.

  
  

• Streamlined Processes: The change is designed to create a more efficient contracting experience, benefiting both contractors and the GSA.

  
  

• Enhanced Opportunities: The GSA's evolution provides small businesses ways to adapt and succeed in a competitive market.

  
  

What Changed in Refresh 24

As of January 19, 2025, all SBSA SINs are closed to new awards. GSA has laid out a three-step transition plan:

1. January 2025: SBSA SINs closed to new offers.

   
   

2. January–May 2025: GSA worked with current SBSA contract holders to migrate offerings to the equivalent non-SBSA SINs.

   
   

3. May 2025: GSA officially removed all SBSA SINs from the MAS program.

   
   
   
   

Did You Miss the Migration Window?

If you didn’t transition your SBSA SINs before May 2025, the formal migration period is now closed. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of options.

What to Do Now

If you haven’t yet migrated, you should immediately reach out to your GSA Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Specialist (CS) to determine what steps—if any—are still possible. Depending on your situation, you may need to:

• Submit a new MAS offer under the appropriate non-SBSA SIN(s).

• Negotiate alternative arrangements, especially if your SBSA contract still has active BPAs or orders.

• Seek CO/CS guidance regarding possible exemptions, extensions, or next-best options post-migration window.

In Summary

Is it too late? Yes and no. The SBSA SINs have been formally removed, so you can’t simply “migrate” anymore. However, your CO/CS may be able to guide you through your next-best move, whether that’s submitting a new offer or a modification to add the non SBSA SINs back to your MAS Schedule.

Your next move? Contact your GSA CO/CS now to assess what’s still possible.

How Heron Writing & Consulting Can Help

If you’re navigating this transition—or trying to figure out what to do next—we can help. Whether it’s preparing a new MAS offer, modifying your contract, or developing the right strategy to stay competitive, Heron Writing & Consulting is here to guide you through the process.

👉 Need help making sense of your next steps? Contact us today to make sure your business stays competitive under the new MAS structure.