SDVOSB & VOSB Certification

As of January 2023, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) manages the SDVOSB and VOSB certification process. This was previously handled by the VA's Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE). The change was mandated by the Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act of 2022.

All applications, renewals, and appeals now go through the SBA. If you were previously verified by the VA, your certification transitioned to the SBA system. New applicants apply directly through the SBA's certification portal.

To qualify for certification, your business must meet all of the following:

• The veteran (or service-disabled veteran for SDVOSB) must own at least 51% of the business
• The veteran must control the daily business operations and hold the highest officer position
• The business must be small by SBA size standards for its primary NAICS code
• For SDVOSB: The veteran-owner must have a service-connected disability rating from the VA
• For VOSB: The owner must be a veteran (honorably discharged)

Applications are submitted through the SBA's online certification portal at certify.sba.gov. You will need to create an account and submit your documentation electronically.

Required Documentation

• DD-214 — Proof of veteran status (Member 4 copy)
• VA disability rating letter — Required for SDVOSB certification
• Business formation documents — Articles of incorporation, operating agreements, bylaws
• Ownership agreements — Stock certificates, partnership agreements, or membership interest documentation
• Tax returns — Business and personal tax returns (typically 2-3 years)
• Financial statements — Balance sheets, profit and loss statements
• Resumes — For all owners, officers, and directors

Processing time: The SBA typically processes certification applications within 60 to 90 days, though this can vary depending on application volume and completeness of your submission. Incomplete applications will be delayed.

Certification period: SDVOSB and VOSB certifications are valid for a set period and must be renewed. The SBA will notify you when your renewal is due.

Annual recertification: You are required to recertify annually that your business continues to meet all eligibility requirements. This includes confirming ownership, control, and size standards.

The Veterans First Contracting Program is specific to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Under this program, the VA gives contracting priority to certified VOSBs and SDVOSBs for VA contracts. This includes:

• Set-aside contracts — Competitions restricted to certified VOSBs and SDVOSBs
• Sole-source contracts — Direct awards to a single VOSB or SDVOSB without competition (up to dollar thresholds)

The Veterans First program is one of the most significant advantages of VOSB/SDVOSB certification, as the VA is one of the largest federal agencies in terms of contracting volume.

• Certification is required. Self-certification is no longer accepted for most federal set-aside contracts. You must be officially certified through the SBA to compete for SDVOSB or VOSB set-asides.
• Maintain eligibility throughout. You must continue to meet all eligibility requirements for the entire duration of your certification. Changes in ownership, control, or size can affect your certification status.
• Annual recertification is mandatory. Failure to recertify can result in loss of your certification and ineligibility for set-aside contracts.
• Certification does not guarantee contracts. Being certified means you are eligible to compete for set-aside contracts — you still need to find opportunities, submit competitive bids, and deliver on the work.
• Register in SAM.gov first. You must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) before you can receive federal contracts. Registration is free and must be renewed annually.

• SBA Certification Portal (certify.sba.gov) ↗
• SBA Veteran Contracting Assistance Programs ↗
• SAM.gov Registration ↗