SDVOSB and VOSB: Serving Veteran-Owned Businesses
How veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses qualify for federal set-asides.
Federal law reserves certain contracts for veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB) and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB). For construction firms with veteran ownership, these programs are among the most valuable set-asides.
Basic eligibility
- The firm is a small business under its NAICS code.
- At least 51% is owned and controlled by one or more veterans (VOSB) or service-disabled veterans (SDVOSB).
- For SDVOSB, the service-connected disability must be documented.
- Management and daily operations must be controlled by the qualifying veteran(s).
Certification
SDVOSB and VOSB status is generally certified through the SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification program. Get certified before you claim the status in a bid; a claim you cannot back up can cost you an award.
Practical tips
Keep your certification current, have your veteran control documented in your governing documents, and maintain a performance record that makes you credible beyond the preference. The set-aside opens the door; the proposal and price win the job.
General information for construction small businesses, not legal advice.