U.S. federal contracting
VOSB and SDVOSB certification through VetCert
SDVOSB certification concerns qualifying opportunities across the federal government. VOSB certification has a different scope under the VA’s Vets First program. Both require qualifying veteran ownership and control.
VOSB or SDVOSB?
Certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses can pursue qualifying sole-source and set-aside opportunities across the federal government. Certified veteran-owned small businesses have the distinct VA Vets First opportunities. The intended buyer therefore matters when deciding which certification to investigate. SBA veteran certification guidance ↗.
Veteran status, ownership and management
The business must meet the applicable small-business standard and have at least 51% qualifying veteran ownership and control. SDVOSB also requires the qualifying service-disabled-veteran status. Governance documents, management responsibilities and decision-making authority all contribute to the control assessment.
An owner’s percentage alone leaves an important question unanswered: who actually runs the business? Where another person exercises significant operating authority, the application needs the relevant facts rather than an assumption based on the ownership share.
Applying through MySBA
- Identify the certification relevant to your intended buyer and check the SAM and company records.
- Review the ownership and veteran-status questions in the official application.
- Gather the requested governance and qualifying-owner records.
- Complete the questionnaires, contributor tasks and uploads in MySBA.
- Review and submit. Save the confirmation and respond to further SBA requests.
The documents requested depend on your application. Keep identity, disability and other sensitive records in your own files and the official system. Our checklist records preparation tasks and has no document upload.
Older grace-period notices
Some public guidance still includes transition information from 2024. That historical grace period is not a current entitlement for a new applicant to operate without certification. Check the current rules and your own certification record.
Recertification and changes to the business
The current rule provides a three-year eligibility period and permits recertification within the 90 calendar days before that period ends. An official extension can change the end date. Changes affecting eligibility must be reported within 30 days, and examination requests require a response. 13 CFR 128.306: VetCert maintenance ↗.
The post-expiry reinstatement provision does not guarantee continuous eligibility. Use the official end date and instructions when planning the next application. The milestone planner makes reminders from dates you supply.
Sources
Sources checked 8 October 2026. Regulations reflect the official consolidated text available through 6 October. Check current SBA notices before applying.