SDVOSB & VOSBs No Longer Able to Self-Certify

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (SDVOSB) AND VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (VOSB) WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO SELF-CERTIFY

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If you are a veteran owned small business interested in government contracting, you need to be aware of the upcoming changes!  Transfer of the certification from the Veterans Administration (VA) to the Small Business Administration (SBA) will take place January 1, 2023.  Since there will no longer be an option for self-certification for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and Veteran Owned Small Business, it is strongly advised to apply for this certification as soon as possible with the VA.

The National Defense Authorization Act transfers the Veterans Affairs Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) function that is currently at the VA for verifying Service Disable Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) for VA contracts to the SBA on January 1, 2023.  This change will streamline the process of all small business certification programs. 

As of January 1, 2023, any small business wanting to compete in the federal market as a SDVOSB or VOSB will need to be certified by the SBA - self-certification will not be accepted by the contracting officer.  The VA will retain its unique authority to make contract award set-asides to SDVOSBs and VOSBs but will rely on the SBA’s certification to verify eligibility. 

SDVOSBs or VOSBs previously verified by the VA, will not lose their status at the time of the program transfer. There will be a one-year grace period to apply with the SBA. 

It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED you apply for certification thru the VA prior to transfer to the SBA.  Please visit https://www.va.gov/OSDBU/docs/preparing-for-verification.pdf to begin your certification application with the VA.  If you need assistance, the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is available. To find a PTAC in your state go to:   https://www.aptac-us.org/.   Be ready for a SDVOSB or VOSB set aside with all agencies the beginning of 2023 by getting your certification as soon as possible. 

Please visit https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/veteran-assistance-programs to learn about veteran assistance programs, contracting opportunities, and what this transfer means for your business. This site will be updated as more information becomes available.  

The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) is a one-stop-shop for service members, veterans, and military spouses looking to start, purchase, or grow a business. Located nationwide, VBOCs provide training workshops, including Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot programs, as well as business development assistance such as training, advising and mentoring, and resource referrals.  Find additional information about the VBOC at - https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program .