DSBS Is Now SBS: How Small Businesses Stay Visible in Federal Contracting

Sep 22, 2025 11:30:00 AM / by USFCR Academy

DSBS is now the SBS - USFCR v2

When and Why the Rebrand Happened
On July 9, 2025, the SBA replaced the long-standing Dynamic Small Business Search with the new Small Business Search platform. This was more than a name change. It retired a tool that had been in place for over 15 years and introduced a modern system that buyers and prime contractors now use as the default directory for finding small businesses.

How SBS Improves Over DSBS
SBS offers a cleaner interface and faster performance. Buyers can filter by certifications such as 8(a), HUBZone, and WOSB, and they can search by NAICS, keywords, and location. Your data still comes directly from SAM. Simple changes can appear within one business day, but most updates take several business days to fully sync from SAM to SBS.

What Small Businesses Must Do Now
If you had a DSBS profile, it was automatically transferred into SBS. A new account will need to be created in SBS; the business owner must claim the entity to be able to make updates. This is the time to review NAICS codes, your capability narrative, and certification details. Your visibility in SBS depends on the accuracy and completeness of your SAM profile.

usfcr Small Business Search (SBS) Profile 2025-V2-1

Contractors who treat their profile seriously see results. Foret Contracting Group secured a Coast Guard contract within four months of completing SAM registration and DSBS profile setup. RockNErosion followed a similar path and won a Forest Service contract worth twelve thousand dollars. With SBS now replacing DSBS, that same level of preparation and visibility remains the key to winning.

Timeline Claimed vs Actual
The SBA presented the rebrand as a seamless change. In practice, most SAM updates take several business days to appear in SBS, and major changes can take up to ten business days. This is still an improvement over the longer delays under DSBS. Set expectations accordingly and plan ahead for time-sensitive pursuits.

What’s Next
Search for your business in SBS today. If you do not appear or if your information is incomplete, update your SAM profile and claim your SBS account. We can review your entries, fix the gaps, and make sure buyers see a clear, competitive profile.

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FAQ

What is SBS, and how is it different from DSBS?
SBS replaced DSBS on July 9, 2025. The purpose is the same, and the platform now offers better filters and faster syncing with SAM.

Do I need to create a new profile?
No. If you had a DSBS profile, it was automatically transferred into SBS. You only need to claim your profile and verify your details. Claiming may prompt you to sign a Small Business Certification Statement, which is a legal document.

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Why can’t I find my business in SBS?
Common causes include an incomplete or expired SAM registration, not being marked as small for any NAICS, or opting out of public searches in SAM. Updates can take several business days to sync.

What information might not have transferred correctly?
Many businesses report issues with capability narratives, keywords, and certification details not migrating cleanly from DSBS. Review these sections carefully and update as needed.
View full FAQ page

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USFCR Academy

Written by USFCR Academy

USFCR Academy is the learning and training resource of US Federal Contractor Registration (USFCR). The Academy educates current and future clients of USFCR on government contracting, federal registrations and certifications, and provides contract bid training so they can qualify and sell to the federal government.