What Is SDVOSB Certification?
The SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) program gives set-aside and sole-source contracting priority to businesses majority-owned by veterans with service-connected disabilities. The federal government has a statutory goal of awarding 3% of all federal prime contracts to SDVOSBs annually — and the Department of Veterans Affairs has even stronger requirements under its Veterans First Contracting Program.
SDVOSB vs VOSB
| Certification | Owner Requirement | Set-Aside Access |
|---|---|---|
| SDVOSB | Service-connected disability rating from VA or DoD | SDVOSB + VOSB set-asides |
| VOSB | Veteran status (no disability required) | VOSB set-asides only (primarily VA) |
SDVOSB Eligibility Requirements
- Small business under applicable NAICS size standard
- 51%+ unconditionally owned by one or more service-disabled veterans
- Management and daily operations controlled by service-disabled veteran(s)
- Veteran must have a service-connected disability rating from the VA or DoD
- US citizen
How to Apply for SDVOSB
- Obtain your VA disability rating documentation
- Ensure SAM.gov registration is active
- Apply at certify.sba.gov (MySBA Certification portal)
- Upload required documents — DD-214, VA disability letter, business ownership documentation
- SBA review — typically 30-60 days
- Annual recertification required
VA Veterans First Contracting Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs gives absolute priority to SDVOSBs and VOSBs under its Veterans First Contracting Program. VA contracting officers must first consider SDVOSB set-asides, then VOSB set-asides, before opening competition to other small businesses. This makes the VA one of the most favorable agencies for veteran-owned contractors.
SDVOSB Sole-Source Awards
SDVOSB firms can receive sole-source contracts up to:
- $4.5M for most services
- $7M for manufacturing
- Unlimited at VA under certain conditions
Top Agencies for SDVOSB Contracts
- Department of Veterans Affairs — Strongest SDVOSB program by law
- Department of Defense — Largest overall federal buyer
- Department of Homeland Security — Strong small business program
- GSA — Schedule set-asides for SDVOSBs
GovCon Media Mosiac provides SDVOSB and VOSB certification consulting — eligibility assessment, application preparation, and VA-focused business development support. Book a free consultation.