As a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), how can you find and win more government contracts and add more public-sector opportunities to 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.
What is a Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business?
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.
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How to Win Small Business Government Contracts
Download this guide to learn how to get your small business started in government contracting and get tips on bidding on contracts and developing a strong proposal.
Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Eligibility
Companies that wish to register as an 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:
- Be a small business, as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
- Be 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans.
- For certification as an SDVOSB, the veteran(s) must be rated as service-disabled by the Veterans Administration (VA).
- 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 an SDVOSB and also fits into one or more socioeconomic categories may be more likely to be awarded a government contract, especially if the agency is struggling to hit its socioeconomic contracting goals.
SDVOSB Government Contracting Trends
Many federal agencies offer 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.
Find Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Government Contracts
The first step to finding more government contracts for your SDVOSB is to determine eligibility and ensure your business has the right certification. Once that is complete, there are several methods to improve your chances of winning 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 agreement 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 through the SBA's Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP).
SDVOSB Networking
Reach out to an agency's small business office to learn about its small business government contracting 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, Deltek's guide on Selling to the Government as a Small Business will help.
Government Contracting Tools for SDVOSBs
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 businesses with early awareness of new opportunities, deep planning intelligence, potential teaming partners, and the strategic insight they need to get ahead of the competition.
