Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

Who qualifies

Small businesses that are at least 51% directly and unconditionally owned by service-disabled veterans. The service-disabled veteran(s) must control daily operations and long-term decision-making. Service-disabled status is verified through VA records. The firm must meet SBA size standards in its primary NAICS.

SDVOSB requirements checklist

• Small business under the SBA size standard for your primary NAICS code
• 51% or more directly and unconditionally owned by one or more service-disabled veterans
• Service-disabled veterans control long-term decision-making and daily operations
• VA service-connected disability rating verified through VA records
• Active SAM.gov registration with UEI
• For VA contracts: separate VA CVE verification may still be requested (Vets First program)

How to certify

Certification is administered by the SBA effective 2023 (previously by VA CVE for VA contracts). Apply at certify.SBA.gov with veteran disability documentation, ownership and control evidence, and business records. Three-year certification term.

1. 1. Verify service-disabled status. Confirm you have a VA rating letter documenting a service-connected disability. The VA rating is the source of truth; without it, SDVOSB certification is not available.
2. 2. Understand SBA vs VA (post-2023 change). Since January 2023 the SBA administers all SDVOSB certifications (previously VA CVE handled VA-related certifications). Apply once at certify.SBA.gov — a single certification qualifies you for both government-wide SDVOSB set-asides and VA Vets First contracts.
3. 3. Gather documentation. Prepare VA disability rating letter, DD-214, organizational documents, ownership evidence (stock ledger, membership certificates), resumes showing operational control, and financial statements.
4. 4. Apply at certify.SBA.gov. Submit the SDVOSB application at certify.SBA.gov. Standard processing is 60-90 days. The SBA verifies ownership, control, size, and veteran status.
5. 5. Maintain certification. SDVOSB certification is valid for three years. Report material changes (ownership, size, disability rating) promptly. Recertify before expiration to maintain eligibility for set-asides.

What it gets you

Eligibility for SDVOSB set-aside contracts across all federal agencies. The Department of Veterans Affairs additionally has a separate VOSB/SDVOSB Vets First program with its own contracting preferences. Sole-source awards up to $4 million ($7 million for manufacturing).