SDVOSB Certification Guide: Benefits and How to Apply in 2026

Introduction

The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) program provides significant advantages in federal contracting. The government has a goal of awarding 3% of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs, representing over $20 billion annually.

This guide covers everything you need to know about SDVOSB certification in 2026.

What is SDVOSB?

SDVOSB is a federal program that provides contracting preferences to small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. Benefits include:

• Set-aside contracts: Contracts reserved exclusively for SDVOSBs
• Sole-source awards: Direct awards without competition (up to $5 million for services, $7 million for manufacturing)
• Evaluation preferences: Extra credit in some competitive procurements
• Subcontracting opportunities: Large contractors often seek SDVOSB partners

Eligibility Requirements

Veteran Requirements

• Service-disabled: Must have a service-connected disability rated by VA or DoD
• Any disability rating: Even 0% rating qualifies (presumptive conditions count)
• Honorable discharge: Must have been discharged under honorable conditions

Business Requirements

• Small business: Must meet SBA size standards for your NAICS code
• Unconditional ownership: Service-disabled veteran(s) must own at least 51%
• Control: Service-disabled veteran must control daily operations and long-term decisions
• U.S. business: Must operate in the United States

Control Test

The service-disabled veteran must:

• Hold the highest officer position (CEO, President, etc.)
• Have managerial control of day-to-day operations
• Control long-term business decisions
• Possess required licenses and expertise (or employ someone who does)

SDVOSB vs. VOSB

Pro tip: If you qualify for SDVOSB, you automatically qualify for VOSB status as well.

Certification Process

Step 1: SBA Certification (Required)

As of January 2023, SBA administers SDVOSB certification:

1. Create account: Register at certify.sba.gov
2. Complete application: Fill out questionnaire and upload documents
3. Required documents:

• DD-214 (discharge papers)
• VA disability letter or DoD rating
• Business formation documents
• Tax returns (personal and business)
• Financial statements
• Resumes of owners and key employees

1. SBA review: 90 days for initial review
2. Site visit: May be required
3. Decision: Approval or denial with explanation

Step 2: SAM.gov Registration

After SBA certification:

1. Log into SAM.gov
2. Update your entity registration
3. Self-certify as SDVOSB
4. Your SBA certification will be verified

VA Verification (Optional but Valuable)

For Veterans Affairs contracts specifically, consider also registering in VetBiz/VIP database. While SBA certification is now primary, some VA contracting officers still reference VetBiz.

Maximizing SDVOSB Benefits

Finding SDVOSB Opportunities

Use platforms like GovCon Data to filter for:

• SDVOSB set-aside contracts
• Agencies with SDVOSB spending goals
• Sole-source opportunities under threshold

Top Agencies for SDVOSB Contracting

1. Department of Veterans Affairs: Strong preference for SDVOSB
2. Department of Defense: Largest spender with SDVOSB goals
3. General Services Administration: Multiple SDVOSB contract vehicles
4. Department of Homeland Security: Active SDVOSB program

Mentor-Protégé Program

The SBA Mentor-Protégé program allows SDVOSBs to:

• Partner with experienced contractors
• Bid on contracts as a joint venture
• Learn from established firms
• Build capabilities and past performance

Contract Vehicles

Consider getting on SDVOSB-specific contract vehicles:

• VETS 2 (GSA): Government-wide SDVOSB GWAC
• T4NG (VA): VA IT services
• Agency BPAs: Many agencies have SDVOSB BPAs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Control issues: Ensure the service-disabled veteran truly controls the business
2. Ownership documentation: Have clear documentation of 51%+ ownership
3. Economic dependence: Don't be too dependent on a single large client
4. Missing deadlines: Keep certifications and registrations current

Timeline and Costs

Timeline

• SBA application preparation: 2-4 weeks
• SBA review: 90 days (can be longer)
• Total process: 4-6 months

Costs

• SBA certification: Free
• SAM.gov registration: Free
• Legal/consulting assistance: $1,000-5,000 (optional but recommended)

Maintaining Certification

• Annual recertification: Self-certify annually in SAM.gov
• SBA review: Every 3 years or upon material change
• Report changes: Notify SBA of ownership or control changes

Conclusion

SDVOSB certification provides significant contracting advantages for eligible veteran-owned businesses. While the certification process requires effort, the benefits—including set-aside contracts and sole-source opportunities—can transform your government contracting success.

Start your journey by searching SDVOSB opportunities on GovCon Data and finding contracts matched to your capabilities.