Gain an Edge with VA SDVOSB Certification
Are you an experienced veteran Small Disadvantaged Business (SDVOSB) looking to gain an edge in your industry? Offering competitive pricing and additional opportunities, VA SDVOSB certification could be your solution. This certification not only allows veteran-owned small businesses to compete for contracts, but also helps federal government agencies meet their veteran contracting goals. But what exactly is VA SDVOSB certification and what do you need to know to get it? Read on to learn all about the process and how you can get certified!
The VA SDVOSB Certification is a program that is part of a greater effort by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a program for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBS). This program is established to provide SDVOSBS with the opportunity to compete for VA-awarded contracts. In order to be eligible for the VA SDVOSB program, businesses must meet the eligibility criteria set forth in the program. These criteria include the following:
• The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
• The service-disabled veteran(s) must hold the highest officer position and have direct control over daily business operations
• A service-disabled veteran must have a disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or Department of Defense (DoD)
• If the business is publicly owned, at least 51% of the stock must be owned by one or more service-disabled veterans
Applicants are required to provide the following documents and information to be considered for the SDVOSB certification:
• Proof of Service-Disabled Veteran status
• A list of the business’ products and services
• The company’s Dun & Bradstreet number (DUNS)
• Detailed information on the goods and services that would be provided under the contract
• The name of the responsible official and/or owner
Once the application is complete, it will be submitted to the Center for Veterans Enterprise, which is responsible for the VA’s SDVOSB Certification Program. For more information regarding the Program or the application process, please visit the website at www.vetbiz.gov.
What are the requirements for VA SDVOSB certification?
In order to be eligible for VA SDVOSB certification, a business must meet the criteria outlined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To be eligible, the business must be at least 51% owned by a veteran or service-disabled veteran, be managed and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or veterans, have its primary office located in the United States, have its management and daily business operations conducted by one or more service-disabled veterans or veterans, have gross receipts or sales of not more than $41.5 million in the previous three years, have an employee base of which at least 51% are service-disabled veterans or veterans, be a small business as defined by the SBA, and not be permanently debarred or suspended from doing business with the federal government. Additionally, the business must be able to demonstrate that the service-disabled veteran or veteran has a substantial role in the daily operations of the company and make long-term policy decisions.
The VA SDVOSB certification is a great way for businesses owned and operated by veterans or service-disabled veterans to take advantage of the numerous set-aside contracts that are available to them. It allows them to compete in the government contracting arena and gives them the opportunity to increase their customer base. The certification also allows them to increase their revenue and create more jobs, which can have a positive impact on local communities.
SDVOSB certification from the VA provides businesses with a range of exclusive opportunities, such as increased chances for success, priority access to resources, increased visibility, and increased credibility. Access to exclusive set-aside contracts is one of the primary benefits of certification, as it allows businesses to compete for contracts that are not available to non-certified businesses. The VA is dedicated to providing SDVOSBs with a fair chance to compete for and win contracts, as well as priority access to resources such as technical assistance, training, and education. Furthermore, SDVOSB certification increases a business’s visibility to potential customers, partners, and investors, and offers a sign of credibility and professionalism that can open doors to new business opportunities. It is clear that SDVOSB certification offers a range of benefits that can help businesses succeed and grow.
What are the requirements for SDVOSB certification by the VA
In order to be certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) by the VA, a business must meet the following six requirements. First, the business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans who can provide a VA-issued disability determination letter. Second, the service-disabled veteran(s) must manage the day-to-day operations of the business and make long-term decisions for the business. Third, the service-disabled veteran(s) must hold the highest officer positions in the business and have the authority to make personnel decisions. Fourth, the business must have fewer than 500 employees. Fifth, the business must meet the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards for its primary industry. Finally, the service-disabled veteran(s) must have control over the company’s daily operations.
By meeting these requirements, the business is eligible for SDVOSB certification, which opens up many opportunities for them to bid for VA contracts. By having the certification, the business is able to receive exclusive access to government contracts and other beneficial opportunities that would not be available otherwise. Therefore, it is important for SDVOSB businesses to make sure they meet all of the requirements in order to be certified.
Creating an account in the System for Award Management (SAM) and registering as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) is the first step in obtaining a certificate of verification. After registering, the Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) will review the required documents and issue a certificate of eligibility. This certificate must then be submitted to the contracting officer or the relevant agency for review and approval. Once the certificate is approved, the contracting officer or agency will issue a certificate of verification. This certificate of verification will be valid for three years, allowing SDVOSBs to bid on and win contracts. Table 1 outlines the steps required to obtain a certificate of verification, while Table 2 provides information on the documents required for submission to the CVE.
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create an account in the SAM and register as an SDVOSB |
| 2 | Submit required documents to the CVE |
| 3 | CVE will review the documents and issue a certificate of eligibility |
| 4 | Submit the certificate of eligibility to the contracting officer or the relevant agency for review and approval |
| 5 | The contracting officer or agency will review the documents and issue a certificate of verification |
| 6 | The certificate of verification will be valid for three years |
| Documents | Description |
|---|---|
| DD214/NGB22 | Proof of service-related disability |
| Proof of Ownership | Proof that the business is owned and controlled by a Service Disabled Veteran |
| Proof of Business Entity | Proof that the business is a legitimate business entity |
| Financial Statements | Proof that the business is financially sound |
By following these steps and submitting the necessary documents, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses can obtain a certificate of verification that will allow them to bid on government contracts.
What documents are needed to obtain VA SDVOSB certification?
Obtaining VA SDVOSB certification is a complex process. Applicants must submit a completed VA Form 0700, Application for Verification of Veteran-Owned Small Business Status, as well as a completed VA Form 0705, Statement of Personal Net Worth, and a completed VA Form 0706, Statement of Ownership and Control. Applicants must also provide proof of veteran status, such as a DD-214 or VA-issued ID card, along with documentation of their business’s ownership structure, financial status, and operations. Finally, applicants must submit a completed VA Form 0715, Self-Certification of SDVOSB Eligibility. With the right documents and understanding of the process, veterans can quickly and easily obtain VA SDVOSB certification and take advantage of the many benefits and opportunities it offers.
For Small Business Owners who are veterans, the process of achieving VA SDVOSB certification can be daunting. The documents required for certification are extensive and must be prepared and submitted accurately. These documents include proof of ownership and control of the business, evidence of socio-economic status as a service-disabled veteran, business license and/or articles of incorporation, tax returns for the past three years, a list of all owners, officers, and directors, a completed VA Form 0877, Application for Verification of Veteran-Owned Small Business, certification of Veteran Status (DD214 or equivalent), a detailed business plan, financial statements for the past three years, and a description of the products and services offered by the business.
It is important to note that the documents submitted must be accurate and complete. If any of the documents are inaccurate or incomplete, the application may be denied without the opportunity to resubmit. The VA SDVOSB certification process can be time consuming and tedious, but it is an important step in achieving success as a veteran-owned small business.
Below is a helpful table summarizing the documents required for VA SDVOSB certification:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Proof of Ownership and Control of the Business | Documentation of the business ownership and control. |
| Evidence of Socio-Economic Status | Documentation of the business owner’s service-disabled veteran status. |
| Business License and/or Articles of Incorporation | Documentation of the legal status of the business. |
| Tax Returns | Past three years of business tax returns. |
| List of Owners, Officers and Directors | List of all individuals involved in the ownership and control of the business. |
| VA Form 0877 | Application for Verification of Veteran-Owned Small Business. |
| Certification of Veteran Status | Documentation of the business owner’s service-disabled veteran status. |
| Business Plan | Detailed business plan for the business. |
| Financial Statements | Past three years of financial statements. |
| Products and Services Offered | Description of the products and services offered by the business. |
VA SDVOSB certification is a critical step for veteran-owned small businesses. The documents required for certification are extensive, and it is important to ensure that all documents are accurate and complete. With the proper documentation in place, veteran-owned small business owners can take advantage of the many opportunities available to them.
What benefits do Small Disadvantaged Veteran Owned Small Businesses receive with VA SDVOSB certification?
Small Disadvantaged Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) can realize a number of valuable benefits when they gain certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). An SDVOSB can access set-aside contracts, which are exclusive to such business owners and other small business owners meeting certain criteria. SDVOSBs are also granted direct access to the VA’s procurement process, allowing them to compete for contracts sans the traditional bidding process. The VA also grants SDVOSBs improved visibility and recognition, thus aiding in the acquisition of contracts. Additionally, SDVOSBs also have access to specialized loan programs through the VA’s Veteran-Owned Small Business Loan Program, as well as increased opportunities to partner with larger businesses, which further allows SDVOSBs to gain experience and grow their businesses.
Once a business is VA SDVOSB certified, it is eligible to participate in various contracting opportunities with the VA. For example, the VA offers two preferential contracting programs for SDVOSB’s, the Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Program and the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program. The VOSB Program requires that a business be at least 51 percent owned by an individual or individuals who are veterans and have a service disability. The SDVOSB Program requires that a business be at least 51 percent owned by an individual or individuals who are veterans with a service-connected disability.
By becoming VA SDVOSB certified, businesses can take advantage of these contracting opportunities, which can provide a reliable source of additional revenue. Therefore, the VA SDVOSB certification process is an important step for any veteran-owned small business looking to expand its services to the government.
| VOSB | SDVOSB | |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | At least 51% owned by an individual or individuals who are veterans | At least 51% owned by an individual or individuals who are veterans with a service-connected disability |
| Contracting opportunities | VA offers preferential contracting opportunities | VA offers preferential contracting opportunities |
Successful completion of the VA SDVOSB certification process will open up a new avenue of additional revenue for veteran-owned small businesses by providing access to special contracting opportunities with the VA. Moreover, businesses will have the chance to invest in the country’s veterans and service members who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom and our way of life.
What are the benefits of becoming a VA SDVOSB-certified business
Becoming a VA SDVOSB-certified business offers a number of significant benefits. Firstly, businesses with this certification gain access to exclusive government contracts set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. This can be incredibly advantageous as it allows these businesses to compete for contracts that other businesses are unable to bid on. Additionally, businesses with this certification gain increased visibility and credibility in the federal marketplace. VA SDVOSB-certified businesses are also more competitive as they can compete for contracts with larger, non-certified businesses. Moreover, certified businesses are eligible to receive support from the VA’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). Furthermore, certified businesses in the VA SDVOSB program have access to resources that can help them find, bid on, and win government contracts. By taking advantage of the numerous benefits that come with VA SDVOSB certification, businesses can have an edge over their competition, increasing their chances of securing government contracts.
To be eligible for VA SDVOSB Certification, businesses must meet the 12 requirements outlined by the VA. These requirements include being a small business owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans, with said veteran holding a minimum of 51% ownership and control of the business. The service-disabled veteran must also be a U.S. citizen and have a service-connected disability. Additionally, the veteran must be actively managing the daily operations of the business and hold the highest officer position in the business. The business must be located in the United States, in an area and field of operation that is approved by the VA, and must be financially sound and able to perform the contract, as well as be in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
This may seem like a daunting list of criteria, so we’ve presented them here in a helpful table to make them easier to understand:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Ownership & Control | Be owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans, with a minimum of 51% ownership and control of the business. |
| Highest Officer | The service-disabled veteran must hold the highest officer position in the business. |
| Citizen & Disability | The service-disabled veteran must be a U.S. citizen and have a service-connected disability. |
| Location & Performance | The business must be located in the United States, in an area and field of operation that is approved by the VA, and must be financially sound and able to perform the contract. |
| Compliance | The business must be in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. |
By meeting these 12 requirements, businesses can demonstrate that they meet VA’s high standards and enjoy the business opportunities associated with the VA SDVOSB Certification.
What documents and information do I need to provide to apply for VA SDVOSB Certification?
Proof of ownership and control of the business is the first and most important step for VA SDVOSB Certification. This typically involves providing corporate documents and/or partnership agreements. Evidence of the veteran’s service-connected disability must be provided in order to proceed with certification. Additionally, three forms must also be completed in order to begin the certification process. These forms are: VA Form 0877, Application for Verification of Veteran-Owned Small Business Status; VA Form 0877a, Affidavit of Veteran Ownership and Control; and VA Form 0877b, Business Plan.
Next, the VA requires the submission of financial information in the form of VA Form 0877c, Financial Statements, and VA Form 0877d, Personal Financial Statement. Furthermore, any additional documents or information required by the VA must also be provided before certifying the business.
The table below summarizes the documents and information that the VA needs for VA SDVOSB Certification application.
| Document/Information | Description | Forms |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Ownership/Control | Proof of ownership and/or control of business in the form of corporate documents and/or partnership agreements. | – |
| Evidence of Veteran’s Disablity | Must provide evidence of veteran’s service-connected disability. | – |
| VA Form 0877 | Application for Verification of Veteran-Owned Small Business Status. | 0877 |
| VA Form 0877a | Affidavit of Veteran Ownership and Control. | 0877a |
| VA Form 0877b | Business Plan. | 0877b |
| VA Form 0877c | Financial Statements. | 0877c |
| VA Form 0877d | Personal Financial Statement. | 0877d |
| Additional Documents/Information | Any additional documents or information required by the VA. | – |
To qualify for VA SDVOSB Certification, applicants must provide proof of ownership and/or control of their business as well as evidence of the veteran’s service-connected disability. Along with these documents, VA Forms 0877, 0877a, 0877b, 0877c, and 0877d must also be completed and submitted. Finally, any other requested documents or information determined by the VA must also be provided.
Obtaining VA SDVOSB certification is critical for small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans to compete for federal contracts. In order for the small business to become VA SDVOSB certified, it must meet the criteria established by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The criteria include: the business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran, the service-disabled veteran must have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the service-disabled veteran must manage the day-to-day operations of the business and make long-term decisions for the business, the business must be organized for profit and must be located in the United States, and the business must meet size standards as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA). By meeting all of these criteria, the small business owned by a service-disabled veteran will be VA SDVOSB certification eligible. With the help of VA SDVOSB certification, service-disabled veterans can gain access to opportunities afforded by the federal government, giving them a chance to succeed and build flexible, rewarding careers.
What is the criteria for SDVOSB certification in the VA
The criteria for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification from the VA is multifaceted and is designed to be an inclusive way for veterans to own and operate their business. To be certified by the VA, the business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans. The veteran must have a service-connected disability of at least 10% as rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in order to be eligible to own and operate the business. Additionally, the veteran must assume the day-to-day operations of the business and must make the long-term decisions that affect the business.
The business must also be a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards or the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to the business. The size standards are different depending on the industry and, while size limits vary between industries, all businesses must be within the published size standard in order to qualify as a SDVOSB. For example, under the NAICS code 541620, a professional, scientific, and technical services SDVOSB, any business with general revenues of $15.5 million or less will be considered a “small business.”
Since establishment in 1999, the VA’s SDVOSB program has grown significantly and the number of businesses certified to participate in the program has risen from fewer than 2,000 businesses to over 11,000 in 2016. The criteria needed to become certified as an SDVOSB is designed to be an inclusive and fair way for service-disabled veterans to have the opportunity to operate a business. For veterans considering starting a new business, familiarizing yourself with the criteria and requirements for becoming an SDVOSB and obtaining VA certification should be the first step.
Aspiring business owners who want to compete and win VA contracts set aside specifically for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) need to pursue this certification. The process begins by completing an application online, through the Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
The application includes several requirements and Applicant should submit proof of ownership and control, proof of service-disabled veteran status, and an escalation of the business size.
Once the CVE reviews the application, the business will be notified if it is eligible for certification. If approved, a Certificate of Verification is awarded to the business, which allows them to compete for VA set-aside contracts.
This process is designed to ensure that the SDVOSB is a legitimate business. It is extremely important, as it not only allows businesses to compete for government-funded contracts, but to represent and enhance the goals of the VA to further support service-disabled veteran business owners.
| Required Documentation for SDVOSB Certification |
|---|
| Proof of Ownership and Control |
| Proof of Service-Disabled Veteran Status |
| Proof of Business Size |
What is the process for becoming a VA SDVOSB Certified?
Becoming a Veteran-Owned Small Disadvantaged Business (VA SDVOSB) by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mandates stringent criteria and a rigorous process. The process for VA SDVOSB certification begins with the submission of VA Form 0877, Application for Small and Veteran-Owned Business Program Certification. This application must be completed and signed, and then submitted to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE).
In addition, supporting documents such as proof of ownership, proof of veteran status, and financial statements must be submitted with the application. After submitting all documents, CVE will review the application and documents to determine if the business meets the criteria for certification. Upon review, the CVE will send a notification to the applicant of the status of the application. If approved, the CVE will issue a certificate of VA SDVOSB certification.
For further assistance, the CVE provides a list of helpful resources such as an online help desk, process diagnostic tool, and a dedicated social media channel. In addition, the VA also offers various types of support for businesses seeking certification, such as mentorship, training, and networking resources. Lastly, we urge all those interested in VA SDVOSB certification to review all rules and requirements before taking any steps.
The Veterans Administration (VA) Small Disadvantaged Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification is a unique certification program offered exclusively to service-disabled United States military veterans. It provides revenues and boosts federal contracting opportunities for those who have served in the armed forces and now own a small business. As such, only veterans and the businesses they own are eligible for this certification.
However, the Small Business Administration (SBA) also offers other types of certifications that may be applicable to businesses that are not owned by veterans. Some of these include the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification, the HUBZone program, the 8(a) small business certification and the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone). Each of these certifications seek to support different segments of the population and encourage the growth of small businesses and innovative ideas.
Business owners should research carefully and select the certifications most applicable to their company. For example, if a business is owned by a woman veteran, they could pursue both the SDVOSB certification and the WOSB certification. Ultimately, the SBA’s variety of certifications make it possible for most businesses, regardless of ownership, to take advantage of the associated revenue opportunities and federal contracting possibilities.
Wrap Up
VA SDVOSB Certification – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program provides verified SDVOSB companies verified with a distinct contracting advantage to compete for contracts set aside exclusively for SDVOSBs. VA requires SDVOSBs to be verified by the Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE) in order to compete for VA set-aside contracts. To qualify to be verified, a company must be owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans. Additionally, the management and daily business operations of the concern must be controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran. For more information, visit the VA Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) SDVOSB Verification Website.
FAQs about VA SDVOSB Certification
- What is VA SDVOSB Certification?
VA SDVOSB Certification is an official recognition that a company is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, or SDVOSB, which entitles the company to receive priority access to VA procurements. -
What are the benefits of VA SDVOSB Certification?
VA SDVOSB Certification can provide companies with a competitive edge in the federal market and enhanced access to government contracts. Additionally, as a certified SDVOSB, you may be eligible for contracting opportunities set-asides for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and opportunities for exclusive bids through the VA. -
How do I apply for VA SDVOSB Certification?
You can apply for VA SDVOSB Certification through the VA’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). Applications must include proof of veteran status and business information such as your ownership stake, total assets, and type of business entity. -
What if my application for VA SDVOSB Certification is denied?
If your SDVOSB application is denied, you may submit a request for a re-examination to correct inaccuracies or missteps in your original application. You also may challenge a decision denying you SDVOSB Certification.
Conclusion
VA SDVOSB Certification is a valuable asset in the federal market, allowing companies gain competitive advantage, enhanced access to government contracts, and potential set-asides and exclusive bids. To apply for VA SDVOSB Certification, an entity must submit an application through the VA’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) that includes proof of veteran status and other business information. If an application is denied, the applicant may submit a request for a re-examination or challenge the decision.