Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Certification
SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) certification is issued free by the SBA and gives small businesses majority-owned by service-disabled veterans access to federal set-aside contracts and sole-source awards up to $4.5 million for services, with the federal government committing 3% of all contracting dollars to certified SDVOSBs.
Check If You Qualify Free →How to Apply for SDVOSB
Assembling your documents before you start will cut weeks off your timeline.
- 1Obtain VA disability documentation
Gather your VA disability rating letter or VA Summary of Benefits letter. Any service-connected disability percentage qualifies.
- 2Register in SAM.gov
Required for federal contracting. Free, allow 7–10 business days.
- 3Create a profile on certify.SBA.gov
The SBA assumed full SDVOSB and VOSB certification authority in January 2023.
- 4Gather required documents
DD-214, VA disability rating letter, Articles of Incorporation or operating agreement, ownership records showing service-disabled veteran holds 51%+ unconditionally, and a personal statement demonstrating operational control.
- 5Submit the application
No application fee.
- 6Receive certification
SBA typically processes complete applications within 30–60 days. Eligible for sole-source awards up to $4.5M (services) or $7M (manufacturing). Annual renewal required.
ReviewMyDocs offers professional document review for government certification applications — catching common rejection issues before they cost you months.
Visit ReviewMyDocs →Frequently Asked Questions
What is SDVOSB certification?
SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) certification is issued by the SBA and gives small businesses owned by veterans with a service-connected disability rating access to federal set-aside contracts, sole-source awards, and a government-wide 3% spending goal. Certified SDVOSBs also qualify for all VOSB set-asides.
Who qualifies for SDVOSB certification?
Small businesses at least 51% unconditionally owned, operated, and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans — veterans with a service-connected disability rating from the VA (any percentage). The veteran owner must control daily operations and long-term strategy.
How is SDVOSB different from VOSB?
Both require veteran majority ownership; SDVOSB additionally requires a VA-documented service-connected disability. In return, SDVOSBs qualify for SDVOSB-only set-asides and sole-source awards in addition to all VOSB preferences.
How do I apply for SDVOSB certification?
Through certify.SBA.gov. You will need your DD-214, VA disability rating documentation, business ownership and control documents, and personal statements. The SBA assumed full VOSB and SDVOSB certification authority in January 2023.
Is SDVOSB certification free?
Yes. The SBA charges no fee for SDVOSB certification.
How long does SDVOSB certification take?
The SBA typically processes complete SDVOSB applications within 30–60 days.
What sole-source contract amounts are available to SDVOSBs?
Agencies can award SDVOSB sole-source contracts up to $4.5 million for services and $7 million for manufacturing without competitive bidding.