Montana has a higher concentration of veterans per capita than most states. That means more competition for SDVOSB set-asides, but it also means local support networks and federal buyers who regularly work with veteran-owned businesses. If you are a service-disabled veteran running a business here, the certification is worth pursuing. Here is what you need to know.
What SDVOSB certification is
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business certification gives your company access to federal set-aside contracts reserved specifically for businesses owned and controlled by veterans with a service-connected disability rating from the VA or DoD. The federal government has a statutory goal of awarding 3% of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs each year. In FY2023, actual awards exceeded $30 billion governmentwide.
Two contracting programs flow from this certification. The broader SDVOSB set-aside applies to contracts across all federal agencies. The VA's program, formerly called the Vets First Verification Program and now consolidated under SBA, applies to VA-specific contracts and has historically been the more active of the two for service businesses and medical suppliers.
Eligibility requirements
The threshold is 51% ownership and control by one or more service-disabled veterans. "Control" means the veteran makes day-to-day management decisions, holds the highest officer position, and the business does not depend on a non-veteran to operate. SBA examiners look hard at operating agreements, stock certificates, and who actually runs the company.
You also need a service-connected disability rating. The disability does not have to be severe. Any rating from the VA or a determination from DoD counts. You will need documentation: either a VA Rating Decision letter or a DoD disability determination.
The business must qualify as small under SBA size standards for its primary NAICS code. Those thresholds vary by industry. A construction company might qualify at $45 million in average annual receipts. A janitorial services firm might cap at $22 million. You can look up your NAICS code limit at sba.gov/size-standards.
There is no requirement to be headquartered in Montana. But if you are based here and doing business with federal agencies in the state, the certification travels with you to every federal agency.
How to apply: SBA VetCert
Since January 1, 2023, SBA handles all SDVOSB verification through a single portal at vetcert.sba.gov. The VA no longer runs its own separate verification program. One application covers both the SDVOSB set-aside program and VA-specific contracts.
The application is free. You create an account, connect your SAM.gov registration (required before applying), and submit documentation that supports your eligibility claims. Key documents include your VA rating letter or DoD determination, Articles of Incorporation or Operating Agreement, proof of ownership percentage, and identification confirming veteran status.
SBA targets a 60-day review window, though the actual timeline has ranged from 45 to 90 days depending on application volume and how complete your submission is. Incomplete applications are the most common reason for delays. If you are missing a document, SBA sends a Request for Information and the clock effectively pauses.
Your SAM.gov registration must be active before you apply. If it has lapsed, renew it first. That alone can add a week to your timeline.
Montana-specific federal buyers
Montana's federal footprint is substantial relative to its population. Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls is a major military installation with an active contracting office. The base operates ICBM missile fields across central Montana and contracts regularly for construction, maintenance, IT support, environmental services, and logistics.
The Department of Veterans Affairs runs the VA Montana Health Care System with facilities in Fort Harrison, Miles City, Havre, Kalispell, Glasgow, and Cut Bank. The VA is required by law to give priority to SDVOSBs and VOSBs before opening competition to the broader market. If you are in healthcare services, medical supplies, IT, construction, or facilities maintenance, VA Montana is a realistic first contract target.
The Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management manage tens of millions of acres in Montana and contract heavily for fire suppression support, environmental monitoring, road maintenance, and equipment. The Army Corps of Engineers has a district presence covering Montana waterways. USDA and Interior are consistent buyers in the state.
Federal agencies in Montana reported approximately $1.4 billion in contract obligations in FY2023 across all business types. The share going to SDVOSBs is not publicly broken out at the state level, but veteran-owned businesses in Montana are well-positioned given the density of federal buyers and the active military community.
Free help: Montana APEX Accelerator
The Montana APEX Accelerator provides free one-on-one advising for businesses pursuing federal contracts. They can walk you through the VetCert application, review your documents before submission, help you register in SAM.gov, and connect you with contracting officers at Montana federal agencies.
APEX Accelerators (formerly PTACs) exist specifically to help small businesses navigate federal procurement. Using them before you submit your application reduces the chance of an RFI or denial based on documentation problems.
Montana state-level veteran certifications
Montana does not have a standalone state-level SDVOSB certification. The state's small business preference program gives priority to in-state vendors, but there is no separate veteran certification administered by the state.
What Montana does have is a Department of Military Affairs that maintains resources for veteran entrepreneurs, and the state participates in the SBA's broader veteran outreach programs.
If you plan to pursue state and local government contracts in Montana alongside federal work, look at the Montana Department of Transportation's DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) program. DBE applies to federally funded transportation contracts administered by the state. Women and minority business owners can pursue that separately or in combination with SDVOSB.
Combining SDVOSB with MBE, WBE, or DBE
SDVOSB and MBE/WBE certifications are not mutually exclusive. A Black woman who is a service-disabled veteran, for example, can hold SDVOSB certification from SBA, MBE certification from an NMSDC affiliate, and WBE certification from a WBENC affiliate simultaneously. Each certification opens a different set of contract opportunities.
If your business qualifies for DBE under the Montana DOT program, pursue that in parallel. DBE applies to state-administered transportation contracts funded by federal dollars and is a distinct program from federal SDVOSB.
Estimated timeline
- SAM.gov registration (if new): 10 to 14 business days
- Document preparation: 1 to 3 weeks depending on how organized your records are
- VetCert application review: 45 to 90 days
- Total from start to certification: roughly 3 to 4 months if your documents are in order
The single biggest time-saver is getting your VA Rating Decision letter or DoD determination pulled and ready before you start. If you applied for a disability rating years ago and do not have the letter, request a copy through the VA's FOIA process or through your VA.gov account.
Once certified, your SDVOSB status is active for three years, then requires recertification. SBA will notify you when renewal is due.
Start with Montana APEX Accelerator for a document review before you submit. It is free, and one session can prevent a 30-day delay.
