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Search all opportunities →Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) verification gives veteran entrepreneurs access to set-aside contracts and sole-source awards across all federal agencies.
Since January 2023, the SBA VetCert program has replaced the VA's Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE). This guide covers the current VetCert process, eligibility requirements, and how to avoid common verification issues.
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Prior to January 2023, SDVOSB and VOSB verification was managed by the VA's Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE), primarily serving VA-specific contracting programs like the Veterans First Contracting Program. The Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act of 2018 transferred verification authority to the SBA, creating the VetCert program.
Under VetCert, SBA-verified SDVOSBs and VOSBs are eligible for set-aside and sole-source contracts across all federal agencies, not just the VA. This significantly expanded the contracting opportunities available to verified veteran-owned businesses. Firms previously verified through the VA CVE were automatically transitioned to SBA VetCert.
The transition also standardized verification criteria. The SBA applies the same ownership and control analysis used for other small business certifications, providing greater consistency and predictability in the verification process. Applications are submitted through the SBA's Certify.gov portal, the same system used for 8(a), WOSB, and HUBZone certifications.
The qualifying veteran must have served in the active military, naval, or air service and been discharged or released under honorable conditions. Reserve and National Guard members who were activated for federal service also qualify. For SDVOSB status, the veteran must additionally have a service-connected disability as rated by the VA — any rating from 0% to 100% qualifies.
One or more qualifying veterans must unconditionally own at least 51% of the business. The ownership must be direct — ownership through another entity is generally not sufficient unless specific criteria are met. The ownership interest must not be subject to conditions precedent, conditions subsequent, executory agreements, voting trusts, or other arrangements that could transfer control away from the veteran.
The qualifying veteran must hold the highest officer position in the company (typically CEO, President, or Managing Member) and must manage the day-to-day business operations. The veteran must make long-term decisions for the business, control the business bank accounts and financial transactions, and have the authority to hire and fire employees. Non-veteran managers, officers, or board members cannot have authority that supersedes or overrides the veteran owner's management decisions.
The firm must be a small business under SBA size standards for its primary NAICS code. Size is determined by annual receipts or number of employees depending on the industry, including the receipts and employees of all affiliates.
The SBA targets a 90-day processing time for VetCert applications. The actual timeline depends on application completeness, current volume, and whether the SBA requests additional documentation.
Gathering military records, organizational documents, and business documentation. Contact the VA for disability letters if needed.
Complete the online application through VetCert/Certify.gov, upload all documents, and submit.
SBA reviews your application for completeness, verifies veteran status, and evaluates ownership and control documentation.
SBA issues approval or denial. Approved firms are listed in the VetCert database and eligible for set-aside opportunities immediately.
VetCert verification must be renewed every three years. Set a reminder for 90 days before your verification expiration date to begin the reverification process. Allowing your verification to lapse means you cannot compete for set-aside opportunities until it is renewed.
Understanding the most frequent reasons for VetCert denials helps you prepare a stronger application.
If a non-veteran spouse holds a management position, has check-signing authority, or plays a significant role in business decisions, the SBA may determine the veteran does not control the firm. Document the veteran's clear authority.
Bylaws, operating agreements, or shareholder agreements that require supermajority votes, give veto power to non-veterans, or restrict the veteran's authority can result in denial.
Buy-sell agreements, options, rights of first refusal, or other arrangements that could transfer ownership away from the veteran must be carefully structured to preserve the 51% unconditional ownership requirement.
Ensure your DD-214 clearly shows honorable discharge. For SDVOSB, you need a current VA disability rating letter. Request updated copies if your documents are outdated or unclear.
If evidence suggests a non-veteran officer, manager, or consultant makes strategic decisions, controls finances, or manages operations, the application may be denied. The veteran must demonstrably run the business.
The firm must be small under its primary NAICS code. Affiliations with other businesses through common ownership, management, or contractual relationships can cause size issues.
Compete only against other verified SDVOSBs for set-aside procurements. The federal government has a 3% statutory goal for SDVOSB contract awards.
Contracting officers can award sole-source contracts to SDVOSBs up to $4.5 million for services and $7 million for manufacturing.
Verified SDVOSBs and VOSBs receive priority for VA contracting through the Veterans First Contracting Program, which mandates VA set-asides before other small business programs.
Many large prime contractors seek verified SDVOSBs as subcontractors to meet their own subcontracting plan goals for veteran-owned businesses.
VetCert verification is recognized across all federal agencies, opening doors to DoD, VA, civilian agencies, and intelligence community opportunities.
Verified SDVOSBs can form joint ventures with mentor firms and maintain SDVOSB status for the joint venture, allowing access to larger contract opportunities.
SDVOSB stands for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, requiring the owner to have a service-connected disability rating from the VA. VOSB stands for Veteran-Owned Small Business, requiring only that the owner be an honorably discharged veteran. SDVOSB status provides access to more contracting opportunities because the federal government has a 3% statutory goal for SDVOSB awards compared to no specific goal for VOSB. Both require verification through SBA VetCert to compete for set-aside contracts.
As of January 2023, all SDVOSBs and VOSBs must be verified through SBA VetCert to be eligible for SDVOSB or VOSB set-aside and sole-source contracts across all federal agencies. Self-certification is no longer sufficient for set-aside eligibility. You can still represent yourself as veteran-owned in SAM.gov, but you cannot compete for set-aside opportunities without VetCert verification. The transition from the VA Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) to SBA VetCert was completed in 2023.
The SBA targets a 90-day processing time for VetCert applications. However, actual timelines vary depending on application volume and completeness. Initial reviews may be completed faster, while applications requiring additional documentation or site visits can take longer. You can check your application status through the VetCert portal. Preparing a complete, well-documented application is the best way to stay within the target timeline.
Any service-connected disability rating from the VA qualifies you for SDVOSB status, even a 0% rating. The key requirement is that the disability must be service-connected as determined by the VA. You will need to provide your VA disability rating letter or benefit summary letter as part of your VetCert application. The percentage of your disability rating does not affect your SDVOSB eligibility.
Search for SDVOSB and VOSB set-aside opportunities across all federal agencies. Filter by your NAICS codes, agency, and contract value.