SDVOSB certification lets businesses owned by service-disabled veterans compete for federal contracts that only SDVOSBs can bid on, plus sole-source awards. Since January 1, 2023, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) certifies SDVOSBs through its VetCert program. GERC helps veteran-owned businesses across the United States get SDVOSB and VOSB certified and turn the certification into contracts.
Starts with a $500 eligibility determination (non-refundable, credited to your total). Includes service-connected disability documentation, ownership and daily-control evidence, governing document review, full submission and follow-up until a decision, recertification tracking, and pairing with California DVBE if you also sell to the state.
SBA charges no application fee. Payment: 50% to start, balance on delivery. SBA makes the final decision, and approval cannot be guaranteed.
Get Started Book a Free 15-Minute CallWhy SDVOSB certification is worth it
- A 5% federal goal. Federal agencies aim to award at least 5% of contract dollars to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, so contracting officers actively look for certified firms.
- SDVOSB set-asides. Contracts reserved only for certified SDVOSBs mean you compete against a much smaller field.
- Sole-source awards. Agencies can award SDVOSBs sole-source contracts up to set limits (currently $5 million, or $8.5 million for manufacturing, under the FAR).
- VA “Veterans First” contracting. The Department of Veterans Affairs gives veteran-owned businesses priority, with SDVOSBs first in line.
- Prime contractor demand. Large primes need SDVOSB subcontractors to meet their own subcontracting goals.
Who qualifies for SDVOSB certification
- The business is small under the SBA size standard for its primary NAICS code
- At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
- The veteran’s service-connected disability is determined by the VA
- A spouse or permanent caregiver may control the business in certain cases where the veteran has a permanent and total disability
Self-certification is no longer enough for SDVOSB set-aside and sole-source contracts. Since the grace period ended on December 31, 2023, you need SBA certification shown in SAM.gov. Certification lasts three years, and you must recertify to keep it.
How GERC helps you get SDVOSB certified
- Eligibility review: ownership, control, size and the documents SBA will ask for
- SAM.gov registration and profile cleanup so your certification shows correctly
- Preparing and submitting your VetCert application, and answering SBA follow-up questions
- State veteran certifications too, such as California DVBE, so you can win state work
- Capability statements and bid writing to win SDVOSB set-asides
- Recertification reminders every three years
Documents you will usually need
- VA disability rating letter and DD-214
- Articles of organization or incorporation, operating agreement or bylaws
- Ownership records (stock certificates, member ledger)
- Business and personal tax returns
- Leases, licenses and key contracts
- Resumes for owners and key managers
Pair SDVOSB with other certifications to open more doors: see 8(a), HUBZone and WOSB.
Frequently asked questions
The U.S. Small Business Administration certifies service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses through its VetCert program. SBA took over from the VA on January 1, 2023.
Not for SDVOSB set-aside or sole-source contracts. Since the grace period ended on December 31, 2023, you need SBA certification shown in SAM.gov.
Federal agencies aim to award at least 5% of contract dollars to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.
SDVOSB certification lasts three years, and you recertify through SBA to keep it.
Yes. GERC works with veteran-owned businesses nationwide.
Get SDVOSB certified
GERC works with veteran-owned businesses nationwide. Call (909) 454-7076, email info@gercconsulting.com or book a free 15-minute call.