SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business)
A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans with a service-connected disability. SDVOSBs can win SDVOSB set-aside and sole-source federal contracts. Since January 1, 2023, certification is handled government-wide by the SBA through its VetCert system.
Who qualifies
- Ownership: at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans (for SDVOSB) or veterans (for VOSB).
- Service-connected disability: for SDVOSB, the veteran owner must have a disability rated as service-connected by the VA or DoD.
- Small business under its primary NAICS code.
- Day-to-day control by the qualifying veteran(s).
Certification moved to SBA in 2023
Veteran certification (SDVOSB and VOSB) transferred from the VA’s Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) to the SBA’s VetCert program on January 1, 2023. You now apply and recertify at veterans.certify.sba.gov.
SDVOSB spending exceeded its 3% government-wide goal in FY2024, reaching roughly 5% of eligible federal contracting dollars — so certified firms compete for a large and reliable pool of set-aside work.
Find SDVOSB set-aside opportunities and score them for fit — free.
Search SDVOSB contracts →Frequently asked questions
Who certifies SDVOSBs now?
The U.S. Small Business Administration, through its VetCert system, has certified SDVOSBs and VOSBs government-wide since January 1, 2023 (the function previously sat with the VA’s CVE).
What is the difference between SDVOSB and VOSB?
Both are veteran-owned small businesses. An SDVOSB requires the qualifying veteran owner to have a service-connected disability; a VOSB does not. SDVOSB set-asides are the more common federal vehicle.