Veteran-Owned Small Business(VOSB)
A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans, eligible for certain federal and VA set-aside programs.
Overview
A Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans. VOSB status provides access to set-aside and sole-source opportunities, particularly at the Department of Veterans Affairs under the Veterans First Contracting Program. VOSB is broader than SDVOSB — it includes all veterans, not just those with a service-connected disability.
Why It Matters in GovCon
VOSB certification opens doors at the VA and other agencies with veteran-focused goals. The VA gives VOSBs priority in its contracting hierarchy (after SDVOSBs). Federal agencies have goals for veteran-owned business participation. Certification through SBA's VetCert program validates your status for contracting purposes.
Key Details
- Eligibility: 51% owned and controlled by U.S. veterans (as defined by 38 USC 101).
- Certification: SBA VetCert program; self-certification was phased out.
- VA Veterans First: The VA restricts competition to VOSBs/SDVOSBs for certain requirements.
- Set-Aside Authority: VA can set aside contracts for VOSBs and award sole-source contracts up to thresholds.
- Relationship to SDVOSB: SDVOSBs are a subset of VOSBs with additional preferences.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data lets you filter opportunities by VOSB and SDVOSB set-aside, with dedicated views for VA Veterans First procurements so you can build a targeted pipeline.
Related Terms
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Set-Aside
- Veterans First Contracting Program
More Programs Terms
An SBA program that helps small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete for federal contracts.
A subcategory of WOSB for women-owned small businesses where the owners are also economically disadvantaged, eligible for additional sole-source contracts.
An SBA program that gives preferential access to federal contracts for small businesses located in economically distressed areas.
A program pairing large experienced contractors with small businesses to help them build capabilities through joint ventures, subcontracting, and technical assistance.
A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans with a service-connected disability, eligible for federal set-aside contracts.
A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women, eligible for federal set-aside contracts in underrepresented industries.
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