Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
A federal set-aside program for small businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans. Eligible for SDVOSB-only set-asides and sole-source contracts.
Who qualifies
Small businesses that are at least 51% directly and unconditionally owned by service-disabled veterans. The service-disabled veteran(s) must control daily operations and long-term decision-making. Service-disabled status is verified through VA records. The firm must meet SBA size standards in its primary NAICS.
How to certify
Certification is administered by the SBA effective 2023 (previously by VA CVE for VA contracts). Apply at certify.SBA.gov with veteran disability documentation, ownership and control evidence, and business records. Three-year certification term.
What it gets you
Eligibility for SDVOSB set-aside contracts across all federal agencies. The Department of Veterans Affairs additionally has a separate VOSB/SDVOSB Vets First program with its own contracting preferences. Sole-source awards up to $4 million ($7 million for manufacturing).