Unlock federal set-aside contracts worth billions — check your eligibility and learn how to get certified
Eligibility Checker
Answer 4 quick questions to find out if you qualify for VOSB or SDVOSB certification.
Question 1 of 4
Do you own at least 51% of the business?
Question 2 of 4
Are you an honorably discharged veteran, active duty service member, or National Guard / Reserve member?
Question 3 of 4
Do you have a service-connected disability rating of 0% or higher from the VA?
Question 4 of 4
Do you manage the day-to-day operations AND make the long-term decisions for the business?
🎖️ You likely qualify for SDVOSB
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business certification gives you the highest priority in federal contracting — including mandatory set-asides at the VA.
Veteran-Owned Small Business certification opens federal set-aside contracts across all agencies. Lower priority than SDVOSB, but still valuable — especially for non-VA contracting.
To qualify for VOSB or SDVOSB, you must own at least 51% of the business AND be an eligible veteran. Consider transferring ownership or exploring other SBA programs.
Control Requirement Not Met
You must control the business to qualify. The SBA requires the veteran owner to manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions. Review SBA control requirements before applying.
The federal government has committed to awarding a portion of all contracting dollars to veteran-owned businesses. Getting certified is the key to accessing these contracts.
SDVOSB
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
Federal agencies must set aside contracts specifically for SDVOSBs
3% goal of all federal contracting dollars (~$18 billion/year)
Highest priority in VA contracting — VA Rule of Two requires set-asides when 2+ SDVOSBs can compete
Certified through SBA at certify.sba.gov
VOSB
Veteran-Owned Small Business
3% federal contracting goal (same dollar target, lower priority than SDVOSB)
Useful for non-VA federal agencies
If no SDVOSB qualifies, VOSB is next in priority
Also certified through SBA at certify.sba.gov
Note: As of January 2023, the SBA handles all VOSB and SDVOSB certifications. The VA's CVE (Center for Verification and Evaluation) no longer manages this program.
How to Get Certified — Step by Step
Register at SAM.govSystem for Award Management — free registration required for all federal contracting. Renew annually. This is your foundation for federal business.
Gather your documentsDD-214 (Certificate of Release), VA disability rating letter (if applicable), business ownership documents, operating agreement or bylaws, and business tax returns.
Apply at certify.sba.govCreate an account and submit your online application. The SBA portal guides you through document upload and eligibility questions.
Wait for review (4–6 weeks)SBA reviewers verify your eligibility. They may request additional documents. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
Update your SAM.gov profileOnce certified, add your VOSB or SDVOSB status to your SAM.gov profile. This is how contracting officers find you when searching for set-aside opportunities.
Federal Contracting Resources
USA Spending
See exactly what contracts federal agencies have awarded — by agency, NAICS code, and dollar amount. Research before you bid.
Reduced or waived upfront guarantee fee for veteran-owned businesses. Loans up to $5 million for working capital, equipment, real estate, and refinancing through SBA-approved lenders.
SBA Express Loan
Up to $500,000 with a 36-hour SBA response time (vs. weeks for standard 7(a)). Reduced fees for veterans. Ideal for businesses needing quick financing decisions.
Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL)
For businesses that suffer economic injury when an essential employee is called to active military duty. Up to $2 million at low interest rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size business qualifies as a "small business" for VOSB/SDVOSB?
Size standards vary by industry (NAICS code). Most service businesses qualify up to $8–25 million in annual revenue; manufacturing businesses up to 500–1,500 employees. Use the SBA's Size Standards Tool at sba.gov to look up your specific industry.
How long does VOSB/SDVOSB certification last?
SBA certification is valid for 3 years. You must complete an annual review each year and a full recertification every 3 years through certify.sba.gov. Missing deadlines can result in losing your certification.
Can my spouse own part of the business and still qualify?
Yes, your spouse can own part of the business. However, the veteran must own at least 51% unconditionally and have full control of the business — making day-to-day and long-term decisions. If there is any ambiguity about control, review SBA's detailed control requirements carefully before applying.
What is the VA "Rule of Two"?
The VA Rule of Two requires that if there are at least 2 SDVOSBs capable of performing a contract at fair market price, the VA MUST set the contract aside for SDVOSB competition only. This makes SDVOSB certification especially powerful for VA contracting — non-SDVOSB businesses cannot even bid on these contracts.
Higher disability ratings unlock more benefits
A higher VA disability rating can mean SDVOSB eligibility, funding fee exemptions on home loans, and thousands more in monthly compensation.