VetCert Program

The Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program was created to help Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) compete for federal contracts and provide more opportunities for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs).

This certification used to be handled by the Veteran’s Affairs (VA) and went under the name Veteran Owned Small Business Initiative (VetBiz) but it is now handled by the Small Business Association (SBA) and called VetCert.

Vets First

Even though the SBA handles this, the agency that gives the most contracts to veterans is still the VA. They have it written into their regulations called the VA Veterans First Contracting Program or Vets First. This was created to increase contracting opportunities for VOSBs and restrict competition if needed to those that qualify.

If there is a qualifying offer made by two or more VOSBs, they will consider them over other contractors, essentially giving VOSBs a better chance at being chosen when sending bids to the VA.

You can find out more about this through VAAR 819.70 or 48 CFR 819.70.

VOSBs can also access the surplus personal property that is no longer in use by the General Services Administration (GSA). This program is called the Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program and allows VOSBs within the state the ability to receive property that they will use within their company.

Some of the rules that go along with using this surplus property are:

• They must be used for at least a year for their intended purpose.
• They must be kept and used within the state that provided them with the property.
• They will not lease, transfer, sell, or dispose of the property unless they have received express authorization.

Eligible VOSBs can contact the State Agency for Surplus Property (SASP) where their headquarters are to find out more details and use these benefits.

Eligibility

Companies can self-certify, but they will not be completely eligible to receive sole source or specific set-aside contracts unless they have certified themselves as a VOSB or SDVOSBs with the SBA.

VOSB

To qualify as a VOSB, your company must meet these criteria:

• An active and compliant SAM registration.
• Be considered a small business.
• Be majority owned (51%) and have the daily operations run by U.S. veterans.

The VOSB set-aside is only used within the VA. Outside the VA, they count SDVOSBs.

SDVOSB

To qualify as an SDVOSB, your company must meet these criteria:

• Must meet the qualifications of a VOSB.
• Be majority owned (51%) and have the daily operations run by U.S. service-disabled veterans.

Apply

You can apply for a VOSB or SDVOSB certification through SBA’s Certify website.

Once you apply to the program, you will be valid for three years once accepted. These certifications do not need yearly recertifications.

You should make sure the information you are providing is correct, as the SBA can investigate any of the locations to verify the accuracy of what was sent to them. This can be done randomly and without notice.

If you do submit your application and you find that you were not prepared, your application can be rejected or denied. Once this happens, you will have to wait 90 days before you can reapply.

If you are unsure of what is needed or would like to speak with someone about your options, you can reach out to our Contractor Hotline at (855) 545-6604.