Important: Self-Certification Is No Longer Accepted
As of August 5, 2024, veteran-owned businesses can no longer self-certify for VOSB or SDVOSB federal set-aside contracts. Companies that were self-certified no longer count toward agency contracting goals.
If your business was self-certified and you have not gone through SBA's VetCert program, you are no longer eligible for veteran set-aside contracts. This applies to both prime contracting and subcontracting goals.
The good news: the SBA cleared its VetCert backlog in late 2025, and as of early 2026, average processing time is 12 days.
What Are VOSB and SDVOSB Certifications?
VOSB — Veteran-Owned Small Business
A business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans.
SDVOSB — Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
A business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans with a service-connected disability.
Why Certification Matters
The federal government sets aside billions of dollars annually for certified VOSBs and SDVOSBs. The VA has a statutory goal to award 10% of its contracting dollars to SDVOSBs. The overall federal SDVOSB goal is 5% of all contracting dollars.
Without SBA certification through VetCert, you cannot compete for these contracts.
How to Get Certified Through VetCert
- Go to veterans.certify.sba.gov
- Create an account and complete the VOSB or SDVOSB application
- Upload required documentation:
- DD-214
- VA disability rating letter (for SDVOSB)
- Business ownership and control documents
- Current average processing time: 12 days
To be certified, your business must:
- Be a small business under SBA size standards
- Be at least 51% unconditionally owned by a veteran or service-disabled veteran
- Have the veteran(s) control daily management and long-term decision-making
- Be organized as a for-profit entity
After Certification
- Register in SAM.gov — required for all federal contractors
- Search for set-aside contracts at SAM.gov
- Connect with your local PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center) for free contracting help
Resources
- SBA VetCert: veterans.certify.sba.gov
- SAM.gov: sam.gov
- Find a PTAC: aptac-us.org
- NC Military Business Center: NCMBC.us
Certification is free. Without it, veteran set-aside contracts are off the table.