Why VBE Certification Matters for Professional Services Companies
For businesses that are at least 51% owned by one or more veterans.
For professional services businesses, VBE certification opens doors to corporate supplier diversity programs and federal contracting opportunities specifically targeting this sector. Many Fortune 500 companies and government agencies have dedicated spending goals for VBE-certified suppliers in professional services.
Professional services is the fastest path to contracting for many diverse businesses. Here's why certification matters:
Low Barriers to Entry: Unlike manufacturing or construction, professional services require expertise rather than equipment or facilities.
High Demand: Every organization needs professional services - consulting, staffing, legal, accounting, marketing.
GSA Schedule Access: Professional services are well-suited for GSA Schedule contracts, opening federal opportunities.
Corporate Spending: Fortune 500 companies spend billions annually on professional services with supplier diversity goals.
Subcontracting Opportunities: Large consulting firms (Big 4, Accenture, etc.) actively seek diverse subcontractors.
Professional services certifications can unlock opportunities in virtually every industry vertical.
VBE Eligibility Requirements
Must be at least 51% owned by veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
VBE eligibility requires veteran status, honorable discharge, and genuine 51% ownership and control. There is no disability requirement.
Veteran status
- Must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force
- Discharge must be under honorable conditions: honorable discharge, general under honorable conditions, or medical separation
- Other-than-honorable and dishonorable discharges do not qualify
- Reservists and National Guard members who completed active duty service qualify if discharge meets the above standard
Ownership
- At least 51% unconditionally owned by one or more veterans who are U.S. citizens
- Ownership must reflect genuine equity, not a nominal arrangement created to qualify
- For corporations: veterans must own at least 51% of all voting stock
- For LLCs: veterans must hold at least 51% of membership interests without override provisions that give non-veteran members effective control
Control: management and operations
- Veteran owner(s) must hold the highest officer position (President, CEO, or Managing Member)
- Veteran owner(s) must control day-to-day operations and make long-term strategic decisions
- Management authority cannot be effectively delegated to non-veteran individuals through employment agreements or informal arrangements
Business requirements
- For-profit enterprise operating in the U.S.
- No specific years-in-business minimum, though newer businesses may be asked for additional evidence of operations
- Independent business: not a subsidiary or affiliate where a non-veteran entity exercises control
Required Documents for VBE
| Document | Status | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Government-Issued Photo ID | Required | If expired, visit your local DMV or apply for passport renewal at usps.com or travel.state.gov. |
| Business Tax Returns (3 Years) | Required | Request copies from your accountant or download from IRS.gov using Form 4506-T. |
| Organizational Chart | Required | Create using tools like Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, or PowerPoint. |
| Affidavit of Ownership | Required | Each certifying body provides their own form. Download from their website or request. |
| Operating Agreement or Bylaws | Required | Draft with an attorney or use a legal template service. Must reflect current ownership accurately. |
| DD-214 (Military Discharge Papers) | Required | Request from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) at archives.gov/veterans or eVetRecs. |
| Existing Certification Copies | Recommended | From your certification files or download from the certifying body's portal. |
| Bank Statements (6-12 Months) | Recommended | Download from your online banking portal or request from your bank. |
| Certificate of Good Standing | Recommended | Request from your state's Secretary of State office. Most states offer instant online certificates. |
How to Apply for VBE as a Professional Services Business
Step 1: Locate your DD-214 before anything else Your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the foundational document for VBE certification. It must clearly show your character of discharge. If you need a replacement, request it through the National Archives milrecs.militaryrecords.archives.gov (allow 3-4 weeks for standard requests). Start here if there's any doubt about your DD-214 status.
Step 2: Gather your full document package Before opening the NaVOBA application, collect: DD-214, articles of incorporation or organization, operating agreement or bylaws showing the veteran owner's percentage and management authority, stock certificates or membership ledger, government-issued photo ID, two to three years of business tax returns, current financial statements (P&L and balance sheet), business license, and a representative signed contract or purchase order. Complete preparation prevents mid-session delays.
Step 3: Create your NaVOBA account and complete the application at navoba.org Register at navoba.org/certification/ and work through the application. Sections cover veteran status documentation, ownership structure, management authority, and business profile. Be precise and consistent; any discrepancy between application answers and uploaded documents will trigger a follow-up request.
Step 4: Pay the application fee NaVOBA fees scale with company size, tiered from $350 to $2,000. Verify the current fee schedule at navoba.org before starting the application. Payment is generally required before review begins.
Step 5: NaVOBA review NaVOBA staff reviews the application and supporting documents. For some applicants this includes a follow-up request for clarification or additional documentation. Respond within any stated deadline to avoid delays.
Step 6: Certification decision NaVOBA targets a decision within 30-60 days of a complete application. Once certified, you are listed in NaVOBA's veteran supplier database and can begin using the VBE certification mark.
Professional Services Corporate Programs Accepting VBE
These companies have professional services supplier diversity programs that accept VBE certification:
Apple Inc.
Apple is committed to increasing opportunity for diverse suppliers. We partner with businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
View program details →AT&T Inc.
AT&T has been a pioneer in supplier diversity since 1968. We are committed to ensuring diverse businesses have access to opportunities.
View program details →Boeing
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and a leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense systems, and space technology. Their Supplier Diversity program has been …
View program details →General Motors
GM has been a leader in supplier diversity for over 50 years. We are committed to increasing opportunities for diverse businesses in the automotive supply …
View program details →Google (Alphabet Inc.)
Google is committed to building a diverse supply chain that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek partnerships with certified diverse businesses.
View program details →Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson has been a leader in supplier diversity for over 25 years. We believe diverse suppliers drive innovation in healthcare.
View program details →JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase is committed to building a diverse supply chain. We actively seek partnerships with minority, women, veteran, LGBTQ+, and disability-owned businesses.
View program details →Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor with over $65 billion in annual revenue, primarily from U.S. government contracts. Their Supplier Diversity program actively …
View program details →Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft believes diversity drives innovation. Our supplier diversity program ensures certified diverse businesses have equitable access to procurement opportunities.
View program details →U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA is the second-largest federal agency and has a special mission to support veteran-owned businesses. Under the Veterans First Contracting Program, VA gives priority …
View program details →AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm with significant government contracts in transportation, facilities, environmental, and construction management. Their supplier diversity program is recognized as …
View program details →Bank of America
Bank of America has spent over $2 billion annually with diverse suppliers. We invest in supplier development and mentorship.
View program details →Booz Allen Hamilton
Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading management and technology consulting firm serving government clients, particularly in defense and intelligence. With over $9 billion in revenue, …
View program details →CACI International
CACI International provides expertise and technology to government customers in intelligence, defense, and federal civilian markets. With over $6 billion in revenue primarily from government …
View program details →Chevron Corporation
Chevron values supplier diversity as essential to our business success. We seek partnerships with certified diverse businesses across our operations.
View program details →Need help getting VBE certified?
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Federal Opportunities
Professional services are needed across all federal agencies:
- GSA Professional Services Schedule: Gateway to government-wide opportunities
- Agency-Specific BPAs: Blanket Purchase Agreements for ongoing needs
- Staff Augmentation: IT staffing, administrative support, technical assistance
- Consulting: Management consulting, strategy, program evaluation
Key Contract Vehicles
- GSA MAS (Multiple Award Schedule)
- OASIS (complex professional services)
- Alliant 2 (IT services)
- Agency-specific IDIQs
8(a) Advantage: Professional services are ideal for 8(a) sole-source contracts up to $4.5M (or $7M for manufacturing).