SDVOSBContract Opportunities
The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business program provides set-aside contracts for businesses owned by veterans with service-connected disabilities. The current government-wide SDVOSB contracting goal is 5%.
Definition
What are SDVOSB contract opportunities? SDVOSB contract opportunities are federal set-asides for certified small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. Current sole-source limits are $5 million for nonmanufacturing NAICS codes and $8.5 million for manufacturing.
Key Takeaways
- The current government-wide goal is to award at least 5% of prime contracting dollars to SDVOSB firms.
- Sole-source awards are capped at $5 million for nonmanufacturing NAICS codes and $8.5 million for manufacturing.
- The VA Veterans First program provides additional set-aside and sole-source authorities for certified veteran-owned firms.
- SBA VetCert certification is required; processing time depends on the completeness and circumstances of the application.
Eligibility Requirements
What your business needs to qualify for SDVOSB certification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Service-Connected Disability | Owner must have a VA-rated service-connected disability of 0% or higher. A disability rating letter from the VA is required. |
| Veteran Status | Owner must be a veteran as defined by 38 U.S.C. 101(2) and have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. |
| Ownership | The service-disabled veteran must directly own at least 51% of the business unconditionally. Ownership through trusts, entities, or other arrangements may require additional documentation. |
| Control | The service-disabled veteran must control the management and daily business operations, hold the highest officer position, and have the authority to make binding decisions. |
| Business Size | Must qualify as a small business under SBA size standards for your primary NAICS code. |
| SBA VetCert | Must be certified through the SBA VetCert program in MySBA Certifications. Self-certification is no longer accepted for federal set-aside and sole-source awards. |
How to Find SDVOSB Opportunities
From certification to winning your first SDVOSB contract
Confirm Your VA Disability Rating
Obtain your VA disability rating letter showing a service-connected disability rating. Any rating from 0% or higher qualifies. You can request a rating letter from the VA or download it from va.gov.
Verify Business Ownership Requirements
The service-disabled veteran must own at least 51% of the business unconditionally and directly, control the management and daily operations, and hold the highest officer position. Review SBA ownership and control requirements carefully.
Apply Through SBA VetCert
Submit your application through MySBA Certifications with the veteran-status, business-formation, ownership, and control documents listed for your firm. SBA may request additional documentation.
Register in SAM.gov
Ensure your SAM.gov registration is active and reflects your SDVOSB certification. Update your NAICS codes, capabilities narrative, and set-aside designations in your SAM profile.
Search for SDVOSB Set-Aside Opportunities
Filter opportunities on SAM.gov or Gov Contract Finder by the SDVOSB set-aside type. Pay special attention to VA opportunities, which have the strongest SDVOSB preference. Set up alerts for new SDVOSB postings.
Build Agency Relationships
Attend veteran-focused procurement events, register for VA vendor outreach sessions, and connect with agency small business offices. Many sole-source awards come through relationship-building with contracting officers.
Why SDVOSB Matters for Contractors
The government-wide SDVOSB goal is 5% of federal prime contracting dollars, although agency goals and actual opportunities vary.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans First program creates additional set-aside and sole-source paths for certified SDVOSB and VOSB firms.
VetCert processing depends on the completeness and circumstances of the application; applicants should use MySBA Certifications for current status and guidance.
Unlike the 8(a) program, SDVOSB certification has no program term limit. You can maintain your certification as long as you meet eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SDVOSB certification and contracting
What qualifies as a service-connected disability for SDVOSB?
A service-connected disability is an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service, as rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Any disability rating of 0% or higher from the VA qualifies. Common qualifying conditions include physical injuries, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, and other conditions documented in the veteran's VA disability rating letter.
What is VetCert and how do I apply?
VetCert is the SBA's certification program for verifying SDVOSB and VOSB status. Certification transferred from the VA to SBA on January 1, 2023. Apply through MySBA Certifications and follow its current document checklist for your business structure.
What is the SDVOSB sole-source contract limit?
Under the current FAR, the anticipated award price, including options, cannot exceed $5 million for nonmanufacturing NAICS codes or $8.5 million for manufacturing. Other conditions in FAR 19.1406 also apply, including contractor responsibility and a fair and reasonable price.
Does the VA have special SDVOSB contracting rules?
Yes. The Veterans First Contracting Program gives certified SDVOSB and VOSB firms special consideration in VA procurement, including set-aside and sole-source authorities. The exact acquisition path depends on the rule of two, dollar value, market research, and applicable statutory exceptions.
Can a VOSB (non-disabled) get SDVOSB contracts?
No. SDVOSB contracts are exclusively for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. However, VOSB firms can compete for general small business set-asides and VOSB-specific opportunities. The VA's Veterans First program also has VOSB-specific set-asides that are separate from SDVOSB set-asides.
How long does SDVOSB certification take?
Processing time varies with application completeness, ownership structure, and any requests for additional information. Use the current MySBA Certifications guidance and status tools rather than planning around a fixed two-to-four-week estimate.
Find SDVOSB Set-Aside Contracts
Search live SDVOSB opportunities, get alerts for new VA and federal postings, and track deadlines.