SDVOSB Government Contracts

As a service disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), how can you find and win more government contracts and add more public sector opportunities in your overall pipeline strategy?

Learn how to build a reputation, make industry connections and establish yourself as a trusted provider of products and services to the government when you read this guide.

Win SDVOSB Government Contracts

Discover the latest trends in SDVOSB contracting and learn how to build your service disabled veteran-owned small business government pipeline and win more SDVOSB contracts.

Get the Guide

A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) is a small business that is majority-owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans. The business must also have at least one service-disabled veteran who manages day-to-day operations and makes long-term decisions.

The US government sets aside at least 3% of federal contracting dollars for SDVOSB firms each year.

For more holistic advice on your small business and how to sell to the government, this helpful guide shares advice for SDVOSB firms and all other small businesses just beginning their journey to find and win government contracts.

Small Business Government Contracting Guide

Learn how to get your SDVOSB started in government contracting, plus get advice on bidding on contracts and developing strong proposals. 

Get Your Guide

Companies that wish to register as a SDVOSB and prepare to potentially win small business set-aside contracts must meet a set of criteria as outlined by the SBA (Small Business Administration).

Being properly certified allows these companies to compete for sole-source procurements and set-aside contracts from the federal government.

To qualify for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification, a business must fit these four criteria:

1. Be a small business, as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
2. Be 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans.
3. For certification as a SDVOSB, the veteran(s) must be rated as service-disabled by the Veterans Administration (VA).
4. Have at least one service-disabled veteran managing day-to-day operations, unless the veteran is permanently and totally disabled and unable to manage the business, in which case their spouse or appointed, permanent caregiver may assist with management.

A business that has qualified as a SDVOSB and also fits into one or more than one other socioeconomic categories, may be more likely to be awarded a government contract, especially if the agency is struggling to hit its socioeconomic contracting goals.

Many different federal government agencies provide contract opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. In particular, the VA (Veterans Affairs) is a department for SDVOSB firms to work with.

While there are SDVOSB government contracting opportunities in many industries, two of the most common are in information technology and professional services. As of FY 2024, the largest U.S. federal contract vehicle related to veteran businesses was NASA SEWP VI.

Webinar: Department of Veterans Affairs Government Contracting Trends

This free webinar shares insight into the VA’s budget, spending trends and upcoming acquisition initiatives.

Watch Webinar

The first step to finding more government contracts for your SDVOSB is determining eligibility and making sure your business has the right certification. Once that is complete, there are different methods to improving your opportunities to win government contracts for SDVOSB firms.

SDVOSB Subcontracting

Break into government contracting by first finding subcontracting partnerships and serving as a member of a prime contractor’s team. As a way to show past experience, small businesses often seek out teaming opportunities with a prime, helping their firm to establish valuable contracting experience while avoiding having to navigate the complex compliance requirements and challenges on their own.

SDVOSB Mentoring

Access valuable business development coaching and mentoring, designed specifically for small businesses, from an experienced government contractor though the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP).

SDVOSB Networking

Reach out to an agency’s small business office to learn about their small business goals. Make sure that the agency has your firm’s capability statements on-hand to influence future procurements and increase your potential of being included in the bidder’s pool for upcoming projects.

For businesses seeking more specific ways to grow their government sales in the public sector and win more small business opportunities, then Deltek’s guide on Selling to the Government as a Small Business will help, as will this guide covering different types of small business government contracts.

For SDVOSB firms looking to get ahead in the GovCon market, tools like GovWin IQ can offer the most up-to-date information on the government market, along with expert research support and best-in-class features not found anywhere else.

GovWin IQ is the industry-leading platform for government contractors that provides small business with early awareness of new opportunities, deep planning intelligence, potential teaming partnerships and the strategic insight that businesses need to get ahead of the competition.

Find Government Contracts with GovWin IQ

Learn how the leading market intelligence platform can help you find more government contracts for your service disabled veteran-owned small business.

Find More Contracts