Veteran Owned Small Business Certification

Eligibility questionnaire at bottom

Annually, the U.S. federal government allocates approximately $500 billion for various contracts, aiming to dedicate at least 3% of federal contracting dollars for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). Additionally, the VA will set-aside at least 7% of their contracting dollars for a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB). This commitment is part of the government’s broader effort to support veteran entrepreneurs, especially those with service-related disabilities.

Central to this initiative is the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Vets First Contracting Program, which prioritizes SDVOSBs in VA-related federal contract competitions. This priority status for SDVOSBs is unique, placing them even above other business categories like Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB), Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB), those in Disadvantaged groups, and businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone).

VOSB certification holders gain access to valuable resources provided by the Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD), including specialized entrepreneurship training programs, exclusive funding opportunities, and inclusion in the VETCERT program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). These benefits collectively aim to bolster the success and growth of veteran-owned businesses in the competitive federal marketplace.

• Eligible for Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Asides: Bid on exclusive contracts set aside for VOSBs.
• Federally Mandated Spending: 3% of federal contracts designated for SDVOSB certified contractors.
• SDVOSB Certification Perks: Access to federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across various government agencies.
• VOSB Advantages at VA: Additional opportunities for sole-source and set-aside contracts within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Consumer Preference: 70% of Americans show a preference for doing business with veteran-owned companies.
• Competitive Edge: Fewer competitors in federal contract bids where regulations favor VOSBs.
• Enhanced Visibility for VOSBs: Higher likelihood of being approached for “no-bid” contracts under $25,000.
• Large firms bidding on government contracts in excess of $750,000 must provide an allocation for VOSB firm participation as part of the contract. Therefore, having a VOSB certification allows for these subcontracting opportunities