XL EagleOther than small (Other than small business)
Other than small stands for Other than small business. 'Other than small' is the federal term for a business that is over the size standard for a particular NAICS code. You will see it in SAM.gov size reports, in award data, and in solicitations open to all businesses.
Other-than-small firms can compete for unrestricted, full and open contracts. When they win larger contracts, they are often required to submit subcontracting plans that set goals for using small businesses.
Why it matters to a small contractor
If you are small, other-than-small primes are a big source of subcontract work, because their subcontracting plans push them to hire small firms like yours.
Example
A large facilities company wins a base maintenance contract and must meet small business subcontracting goals. It posts a request for local small HVAC and grounds firms to join its team.
Other than small: common questions
Can I be small for one bid and other than small for another?
Yes. Size is judged against each bid's NAICS size standard, so a mid-size company can be small under a higher limit and other than small under a lower one.
Is 'large business' the same thing?
In everyday talk, yes. Official forms use 'other than small' because it simply means 'not small under this standard.'
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