Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) & Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Programs

Choose the certification based on the contracts you want to pursue. An SBA-certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) can compete for reserved opportunities across the federal government; a certified Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) can compete for veteran-reserved opportunities at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Both require qualifying veteran ownership and control, and neither provides a startup grant or guarantees a contract.

Which program fits your business?

VOSB certification is for a qualifying veteran-owned and controlled small business seeking the VA's Vets First contracting opportunities. SDVOSB adds the requirement that the qualifying ownership and control be held by service-disabled veterans whose status is recognized by VA. SBA handles certification for both through the VetCert program.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for these programs, businesses must meet specific criteria:

• Size at certification: Including applicable affiliates, the business must be small under the size standard for at least one NAICS code listed in its SAM profile. For a reserved contract offer, it must separately be small under the NAICS code assigned to that procurement; certification does not satisfy every contract's size test.
• Ownership: At least 51% must be directly and unconditionally owned by qualifying veterans for VOSB, or qualifying service-disabled veterans for SDVOSB, subject to the program's specific ownership exceptions. The qualifying veterans must reside in the United States, except where the specific permanent-disability spouse or caregiver route below applies.
• Control: The qualifying veteran must direct daily operations and long-term decisions. Examine voting, quorum, officer, and management arrangements; a nonqualifying partner's ability to block ordinary business decisions can defeat control even with 51% veteran ownership. Outside employment must not prevent the qualifying veteran from controlling the company.
• Veteran status: Prepare military discharge or service records and, for SDVOSB, the VA documentation establishing service-disabled status. A pending disability claim or your own description of an injury does not establish that status for certification. Certain National Guard and Reserve service or qualifying training-related disability can also establish veteran status.

If the service-disabled owner has a permanent and severe disability and cannot manage daily operations, the business may qualify under the control exception for a spouse or legally appointed permanent caregiver who resides in the United States. Prepare the written VA permanent-and-total disability determination and the applicable appointment or consent records. Informal assistance from a relative alone does not establish this exception.

What You Can Get

While these programs do not provide direct monetary amounts, they offer significant access to federal contracting opportunities:

• SDVOSB Benefits: SBA-certified SDVOSBs can compete for federal set-aside and sole-source contracts under the applicable contracting rules. The governmentwide annual goal is to award at least 5% of federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs; certification does not guarantee an award.
• VOSB Benefits: SBA-certified VOSBs can compete for set-aside and sole-source contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs under its Vets First program. This is a prime contracting opportunity, not only a subcontracting designation.

These programs are designed to support veterans transitioning to entrepreneurship by providing a competitive edge in the federal marketplace.

How to Apply — Step-by-Step

Both SDVOSB and VOSB certification applications go through SBA. To compete for the respective veteran set-aside and sole-source contracts:

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm the business meets the ownership, control, veteran status, and applicable small business size requirements for the certification you seek.
2. Register in SAM.gov: Keep an active registration in SAM.gov. Make its NAICS codes, size representations, ownership, and legal business details accurate and consistent with your records.
3. Apply through MySBA Certifications: Use MySBA Certifications and its current VetCert checklist. Assemble service and VA records, ownership interests or share records, formation and operating agreements, voting rights, officer roles, and financial and business-operation records requested by the application.
4. Respond to Review Requests: Monitor the portal and provide any additional information requested by SBA. SAM registration or self-identification as veteran-owned does not replace the SBA certification required for these reserved contracts.

Check the account for requests and the written decision. Save your submitted records and proof of receipt; they are useful for future examinations or an appeal.

Common Mistakes & Pitfalls

Applicants for SDVOSB and VOSB programs may encounter several common issues that can delay or prevent certification:

• Insufficient Ownership: Not clearly demonstrating that the veteran or service-disabled veteran owns at least 51% of the business.
• Lack of Control: Failing to prove that the veteran(s) have direct control over the day-to-day operations and long-term decision-making of the business.
• Incomplete Documentation: Submitting an application without all required supporting documents, such as veteran status verification, business formation papers, or financial statements.
• Failure to Register in SAM.gov: Not having an active and accurate registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), which is essential for all federal contractors.
• Misunderstanding Program Differences: Confusing the specific benefits and eligibility criteria between SDVOSB and VOSB programs, leading to incorrect applications or expectations.
• Using the wrong size test: Qualification under one SAM NAICS code for certification does not qualify the company as small under a different NAICS code assigned to a contract.

After certification

Search SAM.gov Contract Opportunities for the work and set-aside designation your business can use. Check the specific offer's certification, size, capacity, pricing, and subcontracting requirements. A VOSB designation alone is not the governmentwide SDVOSB designation.

Keep the supporting records for the entire participation period. Certification normally requires recertification every three years; use the expiry and renewal notices in your account because an authorized extension can change an individual due date. Report material changes affecting eligibility within 30 calendar days, including ownership, control, business structure, bankruptcy, or active-duty status.

If certification is denied

Read each stated reason and distinguish a veteran-status evidence problem from a disputed ownership or control finding. An eligible certification denial or decertification appeal must be filed with the Office of Hearings and Appeals within 45 business days of receipt. A denial based on insufficient evidence of veteran or service-disabled-veteran status is not appealable to that office. Use the VetCert appeal filing options and the written notice to confirm filing and service steps; ask the office to resolve any deadline conflict immediately.

A declined applicant can apply again after 90 calendar days from the decline once it has overcome every reason and is currently eligible. Correct the documents or actual ownership/control arrangement first. For a status-record problem, contact the certification team about the required VA or service evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference in benefits between SDVOSB and VOSB programs?

SBA-certified SDVOSBs can compete for federal set-aside and sole-source contracts across the government. SBA-certified VOSBs can compete for veteran set-aside and sole-source contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Each procurement has its own eligibility and contracting requirements.

What is the federal contracting goal for SDVOSBs?

The governmentwide annual goal is to award at least 5% of federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs. The goal does not guarantee any individual business a contract.

Who handles the certification for SDVOSB status?

The SBA handles SDVOSB certification for the federal program. Submit applications and changes through MySBA Certifications and respond to SBA requests for supporting documents.

Is VOSB certification handled by the SBA?

Yes. SBA certifies VOSBs seeking eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs veteran set-aside and sole-source contracts. Self-identifying as veteran-owned in SAM.gov does not replace that certification.

Where to Get Help

• Apply, respond to requests, or check the decision in MySBA Certifications.
• For certification assistance, call 866-722-4357, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern, excluding federal holidays.
• For a contract-readiness review, find an SBA district office or local contracting counselor and bring the ownership/control records and target solicitation.