SDVOSB CERTIFIED
Certification with SBA allows service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. Certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) have additional opportunities to pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the VA’s Vets First program.
SBA’s Veteran Small Business Certification program implements changes from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA 2021) which transferred the certification function from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to SBA as of January 1, 2023. The transfer provides veterans with a central support point for their small business certification needs.
Benefits of SBA certification
Certification allows SDVOSB firms the opportunity to compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. Certified VOSBs may also compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts from the VA.
Self-certified firms seeking these restricted-competition opportunities must apply to SBA for certification by December 31, 2023.
Certified VOSBs and SDVOSBs should start the application process before their extended certification expiration date to ensure their certification does not lapse. Self-certified SDVOSBs are encouraged to submit an application in advance to ensure the certification process is complete by January 1, 2024.
Program Benefits
he federal government aims to award at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs each year.
Competition is limited for certain federal contract opportunities to businesses that participate in the SDVOSB program.
Joining the SDVOSB program makes your business eligible to compete for the program’s set-aside and sole source contracts.
SDVOSBs may self-certify their status through 2023 to compete for set-aside contracts at most federal agencies. However, VA does not recognize SDVOSB self-certification. Self-certified SDVOSBs must apply for SBA certification by the January 1, 2024 to be able to compete for set-aside contracts with the federal government.
You can view the full eligibility requirements in the final rule published in the Federal Register.