Nationwide · Veteran-owned
SDVOSB & VOSB Certification
Federal agencies set aside contracts for service-disabled veteran-owned firms, and VA work goes to them first. Certification is now centralised — and stricter.
- Application fee
- Free
- Typical timeline
- 2–6 months
- Federal goal
- 3%
- Where
- All 50 states
SDVOSB certification is federal, and it moved. Certification is now handled through SBA rather than the VA, and the standards for ownership and control are applied strictly. VA contracting in particular gives certified firms first priority under its own hierarchy.
What is required
- At least 51% owned by one or more veterans; for SDVOSB, service-disabled veterans
- A qualifying veteran holds the highest officer position and controls daily operations
- Governing documents that don't allow someone else to block ordinary decisions
- A service-connected disability rated by the VA, for SDVOSB
The control problem
Reviewers look hard at whether the veteran owner actually runs the business. Full-time employment elsewhere, a non-veteran holding operational authority, or a licence held by someone else in a trade that requires it are the three most common reasons for denial.
If you also sell to California
California runs its own DVBE programme with a 3% participation goal on state contracts. It is a separate application with separate rules, and firms that sell to both federal and state buyers should hold both.
GERC fee
$1,500
one-time · no application fee
- Service-connected disability documentation assembled
- Ownership and daily control evidence prepared
- Governing documents reviewed for control requirements
- Full submission and follow-up until a decision
- Recertification dates tracked
- Pairing with state DVBE certification where you also sell to California
There is no application fee. Verification of a disability rating comes from the VA.
Build your quote Call (909) 454-707650% to start, balance on delivery.
Questions
What people ask about SDVOSB.
Is SDVOSB certified by the VA or SBA?
Certification is handled through SBA. The VA still sets its own contracting priorities for verified firms.
What is the difference between VOSB and SDVOSB?
VOSB is veteran-owned. SDVOSB requires a service-connected disability rating and opens additional set-asides.
How long does it take?
Two to six months, depending on the completeness of the file and reviewer workload.
Is this the same as DVBE?
No. DVBE is California's state programme. Many veteran-owned firms in California hold both.
What if my disability rating changes?
The rating comes from the VA. Tell us and we'll advise how it affects your certification status.
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