Federal Government Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) Program

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Contracting Opportunities

Donor: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

About: The SBA’s Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) Program offers exceptional opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses to access federal contracting dollars. This comprehensive certification program, which transitioned from the Department of Veterans Affairs to the SBA, enables certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) to compete for valuable federal contracts across all government agencies.

The program specifically allocates a minimum of 5% of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs annually, creating substantial business growth opportunities. Through VetCert certification, eligible businesses gain exclusive access to set-aside contracts and sole-source awards, providing a significant competitive advantage in the federal marketplace.

For veteran entrepreneurs seeking to expand their business through government contracting, Grantaura‘s expert team provides comprehensive support services including:
-Grant research tailored to veteran-owned business opportunities
-Professional business plan development
-Strategic financial planning
-Customized project planning
-Compelling Letters of Intent (LOIs)
-Professional pitch deck creation
-Complete application submission assistance
-Alternative funding solutions including crowdfunding

Focus: Federal contracting, veteran-owned businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, government procurement, small business development, federal set-aside contracts, sole-source contracts

Region: United States

Eligibility:
-Must be verified by VA as a Veteran or Service-Disabled Veteran
-Business must qualify as small according to SBA size standards
-Minimum 51% ownership and control by one or more veterans
-For SDVOSB certification, minimum 51% ownership by service-disabled veterans
-Veterans must maintain direct ownership and control of daily operations
-For permanently disabled veterans, spouse or permanent caregiver may assist with management
-Must register in System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
-Must maintain active VetCert certification status

Benefits:
-Access to federal set-aside contracts
-Opportunity to compete for sole-source contracts
-Priority consideration for federal procurement opportunities
-Access to VA’s Vets First contracting program (VOSBs)
-Ability to participate in federal surplus property programs
-Networking opportunities with federal contractors
-Enhanced visibility to federal procurement officers

Deadline: Ongoing

Terms:
-VetCert: SBA’s Veteran Small Business Certification program for verifying veteran-owned businesses
-SDVOSB: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
-VOSB: Veteran-Owned Small Business
-Set-aside contracts: Federal contracts reserved exclusively for specific business categories
-Sole-source contracts: Contracts awarded without competition to qualified businesses
-SAM: System for Award Management, the official federal contractor registration system
-NAICS: North American Industry Classification System codes defining business categories
-Vets First: VA’s program prioritizing veteran-owned businesses for VA contracts