Free tool
SDVOSB / VOSB Certification Eligibility Checker
Veteran-owned and wondering if you qualify? Answer three quick questions and Sam will tell you, in plain English, whether you likely qualify as a VOSB — and whether you also reach the SDVOSB upgrade. No login, instant results.
SDVOSB / VOSB certification, explained
The federal government sets a goal of awarding at least 5% of contracting dollars to service-disabled veteran-ownedfirms, and reserves contracts for the program. Since certification went governmentwide through SBA VetCert, you must be formally certified to bid these set-asides — so it's worth confirming you qualify (and whether you reach the SDVOSB upgrade) before you start.
- What is SDVOSB / VOSB certification?
- VOSB (Veteran-Owned Small Business) and SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) are federal programs that reserve contracts for veteran-owned firms. Since 2023 both are certified governmentwide through SBA VetCert. Certified firms can compete for veteran set-asides and, for SDVOSBs, sole-source awards.
- What's the difference between VOSB and SDVOSB?
- VOSB requires the firm to be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans. SDVOSB is the subset where a controlling owner is also a service-disabled veteran (a VA service-connected disability rating). SDVOSB unlocks SDVOSB set-asides and sole-source awards governmentwide; VOSB carries priority at the VA.
- Who qualifies?
- A small business under the SBA size standard for its primary NAICS, at least 51% unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more veterans — and for SDVOSB, a service-disabled veteran must hold the highest officer position and control the firm.
- What does it cost?
- Certifying through SBA VetCert (veterans.certify.sba.gov) is free — there's no government application fee. You must be formally certified before bidding on VOSB/SDVOSB set-asides.
Check your SDVOSB / VOSB eligibility
Your answers stay in your browser — nothing is submitted until you ask to see matching bids.