Short answer: DVBE (Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise) certification is issued free by the California Department of General Services. To qualify, one or more disabled veterans with at least a 10% service-connected disability must own at least 51% of the business, run it day to day, and live in California. State agencies have a 3% DVBE participation goal, so DVBE firms get called by both agencies and the prime contractors who need them.
Why DVBE certification wins contracts
- Primes need you. Many state solicitations carry a DVBE participation requirement or incentive. A general contractor or engineering prime bidding that work has to find certified DVBE subcontractors or suppliers.
- Agencies look for you. State departments are measured against the 3% DVBE goal, and certified firms are listed in the state’s searchable directory.
- It stacks with SB and SB-PW. Many DVBE firms also qualify as a California Small Business, which adds the small business bid preference. We prepare both at once.
DVBE certification requirements in California
- At least 51% unconditional ownership by one or more disabled veterans
- Each qualifying veteran has a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%
- The disabled veterans manage the business and control daily operations. DGS does not accept absentee or in-name-only management.
- The qualifying veterans are domiciled in California
- The home office is in the United States and the business is not a branch of a foreign company
The management test is where applications most often stall. DGS looks for proof that the veteran signs the contracts, handles the finances and credit, and directs the workforce, equipment and job sites. For construction and engineering firms, that means licences, bonding and project records need to line up with who is named as being in charge.
What we do
- Check eligibility before anything is filed, including the management and control test
- Gather the VA disability rating letter, DD-214, ownership documents and tax returns
- Prepare and submit the application through Cal eProcure and answer DGS questions
- File SB or SB-PW certification alongside it where you qualify
- Set your Cal eProcure profile and commodity codes so DVBE-goal solicitations reach you
- Prepare a capability statement for teaming with primes who need DVBE participation
For prime contractors: meeting DVBE goals
If you are the prime, the DVBE requirement is your problem to solve on bid day. We help you understand the requirement in the solicitation, find certified DVBE firms in the state directory, and document participation properly in your bid.
What we will not do
We will not help set up a business where the veteran’s role is in name only. It fails the DGS test, and misrepresenting DVBE status carries serious penalties. If the structure does not work yet, we will tell you what would need to change.
Frequently asked questions
What are the DVBE certification requirements?
At least 51% ownership by one or more disabled veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10%, who manage and control the business day to day and are domiciled in California. The home office must be in the United States.
How much does DVBE certification cost?
DGS does not charge to apply. Our fee covers the eligibility review, document preparation, filing and follow-up.
Can I be SB and DVBE certified at the same time?
Yes. Many firms hold both, and we prepare the applications together. DVBE certification lasts two years, so we also track the renewal.
What is the DVBE participation goal?
California state agencies have a goal of 3% DVBE participation in their contracting, which is why primes on state work look for certified DVBE subcontractors and suppliers.
How do I look up a DVBE certification?
Certified firms appear in the state’s certified firm search on Cal eProcure. Primes use it to find DVBE partners, which is another reason your profile and commodity codes need to be right.
For the full construction picture (SB-PW, DIR registration and certified payroll), see Government Contracting for Engineering & Construction Firms.
Find out if you qualify
Book a free 15-minute DVBE assessment →
Or call (909) 454-7076 · info@gercconsulting.com
GERC is a woman-owned firm based in San Bernardino, certified by the State of California as a Small Business (Micro) and Small Business for Public Works. We work with firms across California.