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Small Business Set-Aside Program

Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Program

The VOSB program provides contracting opportunities for small businesses owned and controlled by veterans who do not have a service-connected disability rating. While VOSB does not have a government-wide contracting goal, the VA's Vets First program provides significant contracting preference for VOSB firms at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

No set goal
Government Goal
Vets First
VA Priority
SBA (since 2023)
Certification
VA contracts
Best Opportunity

Eligibility Requirements

1

Small Business Status

Must qualify as a small business under SBA size standards for your primary NAICS code

2

Veteran Ownership

At least 51% owned by one or more veterans (honorably discharged)

3

Control

Veteran owner(s) must control management and daily business operations

4

Veteran Status

Owner must be a veteran as defined by 38 USC 101(2) - served on active duty and discharged under conditions other than dishonorable

How to Apply

Certification timeline: Approximately 60-90 days through SBA.

1

Verify Veteran Status

Obtain DD-214 or other proof of veteran status showing honorable discharge

2

Register in SAM.gov

Complete SAM registration and obtain Unique Entity ID

3

Create Certify.SBA.gov Account

Set up account on SBA certification platform

4

Gather Documents

Collect DD-214, business formation documents, ownership documentation

5

Complete Application

Fill out VOSB application

6

Submit Application

Submit and await SBA decision

Program Benefits

VA Vets First contracting priority (VA contracts)
Access to VETS 2 GWAC
Marketing advantage as veteran-owned
Subcontracting opportunities
Can be combined with other certifications (HUBZone, WOSB)
Foundation for SDVOSB if disability rating obtained
No program time limit

Contract Types Available

VA Vets First set-asidesVOSB-competitive contracts at VASubcontracts to large primesVETS 2 GWAC (joint SDVOSB/VOSB)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming VOSB has same benefits as SDVOSB government-wide
  • Not understanding VA-specific Vets First priority
  • Complex ownership structures
  • Missing DD-214 documentation
  • Not pursuing SDVOSB if disability rating exists

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between VOSB and SDVOSB?

SDVOSB requires a VA service-connected disability rating and has a 3% government-wide contracting goal. VOSB does not require disability and has no government-wide goal, but both get VA Vets First priority.

Is VOSB certification worth it?

Yes, especially if you plan to pursue VA contracts. VA's Vets First program gives VOSB firms priority after SDVOSB firms. It's also valuable marketing.

Can Reserve or National Guard members qualify?

Yes, if they were activated for federal active duty service and received an honorable discharge from that period of activation.

Tips for Success

  • Focus on VA as primary target agency
  • If service-connected disability exists, get SDVOSB instead
  • Build relationships with VA contracting offices
  • Consider combining with HUBZone or WOSB
  • Market veteran status in capability statements
  • Join veteran business networks

Program Information

Administrator:Small Business Administration (SBA)
Government Goal:No government-wide goal (VA Vets First priority applies)
Renewal:Certification valid for 3 years with renewal required. Annual representations in SAM.gov.

Official Resources

SBA Veteran Programs
Official program information
Certify.SBA.gov
Certification application portal
VA OSDBU
VA small business resources

Related Programs

SDVOSB Program8(a) ProgramHUBZone Program

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