Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise

Federal Contracting:

• 3% federal government-wide SDVOSB contracting goal
• Sole-source contracts up to $5 million for manufacturing, $3 million for services
• Set-aside contracts where only SDVOSBs compete

VA Veterans First Program:

• Priority contracting with VA (VA must consider SDVOSBs first)
• Significant VA procurement budget ($5+ billion annually to SDVOSBs)
• VA actively seeks to exceed goals

SBA Programs:

• Access to SBA loans and programs
• Surety bond assistance
• Mentor-protégé program eligibility

Recognition:

• Official federal certification
• Listed in federal contractor databases
• Credibility with federal contracting officers

To qualify for SDVOSB certification:

Veteran Status:

• Must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force)
• Must have been honorably discharged

Service-Connected Disability:

• Must have a disability rating from the VA
• Any disability percentage qualifies (1% to 100%)
• The disability must be service-connected

Ownership Requirements:

• 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
• In the case of publicly traded businesses, 51% of stock owned by service-disabled veterans

Control Requirements:

• Service-disabled veteran(s) must control management and daily operations
• Must hold the highest officer position
• Must make long-term decisions for the business
• Must control the business full-time

Veteran Documentation:

• DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge)
• VA disability rating letter showing service-connected disability
• Military service records if DD-214 is unavailable

Business Ownership:

• Articles of incorporation or organization
• Operating agreement or bylaws
• Stock certificates or membership documents
• Meeting minutes showing veteran control

Business Operations:

• Business licenses
• Lease agreements
• Bank statements and signature cards
• Capability statement
• Business tax returns
• Financial statements

Step 1: Register in SAM.gov All federal contractors must be registered in SAM.gov.

Step 2: Gather VA Documentation Obtain your disability rating letter and DD-214.

Step 3: Apply Through VetCert Apply at veterans.certify.sba.gov (SBA now handles SDVOSB certification).

Step 4: Complete Application Provide all required information about your veteran status and business.

Step 5: Upload Documents Submit all required documentation through the portal.

Step 6: SBA Review SBA reviews your application and may request additional information.

Step 7: Certification Decision Decisions are typically made within 90 days.

SDVOSB certification requires periodic renewal:

• Certification is valid for 3 years
• Annual affirmation of continued eligibility required
• Must report any changes in ownership or control
• Must maintain SAM.gov registration
• Re-verify before expiration to maintain status