Do I need SBA certification for SDVOSB set-asides?

Yes. SBA's VetCert program certifies SDVOSBs, and certification is what makes a firm eligible for SDVOSB set-aside and sole-source contracts across the government.

Who certifies veteran-owned businesses now?

SBA, through VetCert. The certification function moved from the VA to SBA on January 1, 2023.

What is the SDVOSB contracting goal?

At least 5% of all federal contracting dollars each year.

SDVOSB set-asides and VetCert

SDVOSB set-asides and sole-source awards are reserved for small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, and now require SBA certification.

Eligibility

The owner is identified by the VA as a veteran with a service-connected disability
The business is small under the size standard for a NAICS code in its SAM.gov profile
At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
If a permanently and totally disabled veteran can't manage daily operations, a spouse or permanent caregiver may assist

Full rules: 13 CFR Part 128.

VetCert: SBA certification

Since January 1, 2023, SBA (not the VA) certifies veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses through its Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program. Certified SDVOSBs can compete for set-aside and sole-source contracts across the federal government. Veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) can also pursue VA set-asides under the VA's Vets First program, which require certification with no self-certification option.

The goal

The federal government aims to award at least 5% of federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs every year.

Apply

Apply free through the SBA Certifications portal. More: SBA veteran contracting programs (VetCert). Veterans Business Outreach Centers and APEX Accelerators (free government contracting help) offer free help.

See current SDVOSB set-aside opportunities.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need SBA certification for SDVOSB set-asides?: Yes. SBA's VetCert program certifies SDVOSBs, and certification is what makes a firm eligible for SDVOSB set-aside and sole-source contracts across the government.
Who certifies veteran-owned businesses now?: SBA, through VetCert. The certification function moved from the VA to SBA on January 1, 2023.
What is the SDVOSB contracting goal?: At least 5% of all federal contracting dollars each year.

SetAside Signal is an independent publication, not a government agency, and this isn't legal advice. Rules change, so confirm details at sba.gov, sam.gov and acquisition.gov. Reviewed Oct 15, 2026.