SDVOSB Certification for Service-Disabled Veterans

SDVOSB certification is the SBA certification for eligible small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. Apply at no cost through MySBA Certifications; approval can make your business eligible for federal SDVOSB contracting opportunities.

Certification does not guarantee a contract, and you still need to meet each solicitation’s requirements. You also need an active SAM.gov registration to bid on federal prime contracts.

What SDVOSB certification means

A service disabled veteran owned small business (SDVOSB) is a small business that meets SBA ownership and control requirements for service-disabled veteran owners. The SBA manages the federal certification program through MySBA Certifications. Veteran-owned certification moved from the VA to the SBA in January 2023.

Certification gives eligible businesses access to federal contracting opportunities reserved for SDVOSBs. Agencies may also consider SDVOSBs for certain sole-source awards when procurement rules allow. Certification is one part of competing: you must still show that your business can perform the work, meet the solicitation terms, and submit a responsive offer.

For a wider overview of federal contracting and other small business programs, see government contracts for small business.

Who qualifies for SDVOSB certification

Your business must qualify as small under the SBA size standard for the NAICS code that applies to the work. The SBA sets a size standard for each NAICS code, and the standard can vary by industry. Check the current SBA size standards and identify the codes that best describe your work.

In general, one or more service-disabled veterans must own at least 51% of the business and control its management and daily operations. The veteran owner must meet the program’s service-disabled veteran eligibility rules. The SBA reviews the business’s ownership and control, so the way the company operates matters along with its ownership records.

If your business has multiple owners, an operating agreement, bylaws, or other governance documents, review them for terms that could limit the veteran owner’s authority. The SBA’s current eligibility rules and application checklist are the best source for details about your business structure.

How to apply for SDVOSB certification

Apply through MySBA Certifications. The application is free. You do not need to pay a third party to register or apply for certification. Before applying, use the SBA’s current instructions to confirm which records and supporting documents it wants for your situation.

Keep your business information consistent across your application and company records. Be ready to explain who owns the business, who makes major decisions, and who handles daily management. If the SBA requests additional information, respond through the process it specifies and keep copies of what you submit.

1. Check your business’s small business size status for the relevant NAICS code and review the SBA’s SDVOSB eligibility requirements.
2. Gather the records requested in the current MySBA Certifications application, including documents that show ownership and control.
3. Submit the application through MySBA Certifications at no cost, then monitor it and respond to any SBA requests.
4. After approval, keep your business details current and follow SBA instructions for maintaining your certification.

Find veteran-owned business government contracts

Certification can help you compete for federal opportunities specifically set aside for SDVOSBs, but it does not automatically bring in bids or awards. Look for opportunities that match your services, experience, location, and capacity. Read each notice carefully to confirm the set-aside type and any additional eligibility or performance requirements.

Search open federal bids from SAM.gov, filterable by industry, state and set-aside. You can also review Department of Veterans Affairs contracts to understand what the agency buys, and browse federal contractors ranked by contract dollars to research the market. Past awards are also public on USAspending.gov.

Before you spend time on a proposal, check the scope, due date, required forms, contract terms, and any experience or staffing requirements. A set-aside opportunity is still a competition. Your offer needs to show that you understand the work and can deliver it at a sound price.

Get your business ready to bid

SBA certification and SAM.gov registration are separate. A business may obtain a free Unique Entity ID without completing a full SAM registration, but you must complete a full SAM registration to bid on federal prime contracts. Register at SAM.gov, where registration is free. Third-party registration services that charge fees are not required.

A SAM registration must be renewed every 365 days to remain active. For a US business, the Defense Logistics Agency assigns a CAGE code during SAM registration. If you need help with SAM.gov itself, contact the Federal Service Desk.

Prepare a capability statement that clearly describes your services, relevant work, and business details. Confirm your NAICS codes and learn how to find and respond to opportunities. For practical next steps, see how to get government contracts and how to bid on government contracts.

Get free help with certification and contracting

You can get help understanding eligibility, preparing for federal bids, and learning how agencies buy. APEX Accelerators, Small Business Development Centers, and SCORE mentors offer free assistance. Ask them to review your target opportunities, capability statement, and bid-readiness plan.

For questions about the certification program or your application, use the SBA’s MySBA Certifications resources. For registration issues, use the Federal Service Desk rather than a company that claims it must register your business for a fee.

Frequently asked questions

What is a set-aside contract?

A set-aside contract is a federal opportunity reserved for businesses in a specified group, such as small businesses or SDVOSBs. The notice explains who may compete and what requirements apply. You still need to meet the solicitation terms and submit a complete offer.

Can a small business get government contracts?

Yes. Small businesses can compete for federal contracts, including opportunities set aside for eligible small businesses or specific certification groups. Start by identifying work your company can perform, checking the opportunity requirements, and completing any registrations or certifications that apply.

Do I need to be registered to bid on government contracts?

To bid on federal prime contracts, you need a full, active registration in SAM.gov. SAM registration is free and must be renewed every 365 days. A UEI alone, without full SAM registration, is not enough to bid on federal prime contracts.

What is a service disabled veteran owned small business?

It is a small business that meets SBA rules for ownership and control by one or more service-disabled veterans. To compete for federal SDVOSB set-asides, the business must obtain SBA certification and meet the requirements in the solicitation.

How is VOSB certification different from SDVOSB certification?

Both certifications are for qualifying veteran-owned small businesses, but SDVOSB certification is for businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. The SBA handles both through MySBA Certifications, and the eligibility and contracting opportunity rules can differ. Check the SBA’s current requirements before applying.