Federal Certification
SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) Certification
SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) certification makes eligible firms able to compete for federal SDVOSB set-aside and sole-source awards. The federal government has a government-wide goal of awarding 5% of prime contracting dollars to SDVOSBs. Certification generally requires 51% ownership and control by one or more service-disabled veterans.
Quick Overview
What isSDVOSB?
SDVOSB certification generally requires the business to be small and at least 51% directly and unconditionally owned and controlled by qualifying service-disabled veterans, subject to the limited spouse or permanent-caregiver rule in 13 CFR part 128.
Eligibility Requirements
Common factors reviewed for SDVOSB
Service-Connected Disability
The qualifying owner must meet the service-disabled-veteran definition in 13 CFR 128.102 and be identified in the applicable VA records.
51% Ownership by Service-Disabled Veterans
Service-disabled veterans must unconditionally own at least 51% of the business.
Veteran Control
Service-disabled veteran(s) must control day-to-day management and long-term decision-making.
Small Business Size
For certification, the firm must be small under a NAICS code listed in its SAM profile. For a contract, it must be small under the NAICS code assigned to that solicitation.
Potential Program Benefits of SDVOSB Certification
Program benefits for SDVOSB certification
Eligibility to compete toward the 5% government-wide SDVOSB prime-contracting goal
Potential sole-source awards up to $8.5 million (manufacturing) or $5 million (other NAICS codes), when FAR 19.1406 conditions are met
SBA VetCert verification supports eligibility for VA Vets First priority contracts
Eligibility for SDVOSB set-asides when the applicable solicitation and program rules are met
Ability to qualify separately for other socioeconomic programs when all applicable rules are met
Application Process
Common preparation and agency-review steps for SDVOSB certification
Obtain VA Disability Rating
Confirm that the qualifying owner is identified by VA as a service-disabled veteran. A benefits claim and a VetCert application are separate processes.
Verify SAM Registration
If not registered: Allow at least 10 business days after submission for a registration to become active. Validation issues can take longer.Ensure active SAM.gov registration before applying for SDVOSB certification.
Apply Through MySBA Certifications
Complete the SBA veteran certification application in MySBA Certifications with disability, ownership, and control documentation.
SBA Review
Timing varies with completeness and SBA workloadSBA verifies service-connected disability, ownership, and control requirements.
Certification Decision
After SBA review is completeSBA issues a decision. A certified firm must still be small for the solicitation's NAICS code and satisfy the applicable award conditions.
Commonly Requested Documents
The current agency or certifier checklist controls the records needed for a SDVOSB application
Apply yourself or use paid support
You can apply directly through the issuing agency or certifier. Our optional paid service helps organize the checklist and review your application materials within an agreed scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SDVOSB certification
What is SDVOSB certification?
SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) certification makes eligible firms able to compete for SDVOSB set-aside and sole-source awards. The federal government has a 5% government-wide prime-contracting goal for SDVOSBs.
What disability rating do I need for SDVOSB?
VetCert uses the service-disabled-veteran definition in 13 CFR 128.102 and VA's beneficiary records. Confirm the owner's current status through VA and follow SBA's current application instructions rather than relying on a generalized percentage test.
What is the Vets First program?
VA's Veterans First program authorizes eligible set-aside and sole-source awards to SBA-certified SDVOSBs and VOSBs. VA considers certified SDVOSBs before certified VOSBs, subject to the Rule of Two, mandatory-source priorities, solicitation terms, size, responsibility, and other acquisition rules.
Who verifies service-disabled-veteran status?
SBA administers VetCert, while the applicable VA records identify whether an owner is a veteran or service-disabled veteran. SBA then evaluates the business's ownership, control, size, and other program requirements.
How do I prove my service-connected disability?
Use the current MySBA Certifications checklist. SBA verifies qualifying veteran status through applicable VA records and may request documents or clarification identified in the application.
What contracts can SDVOSBs compete for?
SDVOSBs can compete for SDVOSB set-aside contracts across the federal government. When the other conditions in FAR 19.1406 are met, eligible sole-source awards are capped at $8.5 million for manufacturing NAICS codes or $5 million for other NAICS codes. SBA-certified firms can also pursue VA Vets First opportunities.
Primary Sources
Reviewed July 20, 2026.
Related Certifications
Separate program guides that may be relevant to your business
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