SDVOSB/VOSB certification prep
Ownership, control, operating agreements, registrations, and supporting documentation.
Business readiness lane
Turn veteran ownership into a contract-ready operating file.
Prepare certification documents, capability language, procurement basics, and buyer-facing evidence without implying certification or award results.
Business support areas
Certification, capability, procurement, and state/federal readiness.
VetOps provides preparation and organization support. Certification and contract decisions belong to the responsible agencies and buyers.
Capability statement
Core competencies, differentiators, NAICS, past performance, points of contact, and proof points.
Procurement readiness
SAM.gov, UEI, CAGE, set-aside language, agency fit, and vendor profile basics.
State contracting
State vendor portals, local certifications, purchasing offices, and APEX support options.
Federal opportunity prep
Sources-sought responses, capability decks, solicitation checklists, and compliance matrices.
Guided intake — coming soon
A guided business-readiness intake is being rebuilt. Until it returns, the certification guide below covers every document to gather.
Get certified
How to register as an SDVOSB — federal and state.
Since December 22, 2024, self-certification no longer counts toward federal set-aside goals. SBA VetCert certification is mandatory, free, and currently averages about 12 days to process. State certifications are separate and vary by state.
Federal SBA VetCert (SDVOSB / VOSB)
- Register at SAM.gov. Free. This issues your Unique Entity ID (UEI) — required for any federal contract. Renew it every year. sam.gov
- Gather your proof. DD214, VA disability rating letter (for SDVOSB), operating agreement or bylaws showing the veteran owns 51%+ and controls daily operations, and basic business records.
- Apply at SBA VetCert. Free — SBA charges no certification fees. Checklists and pre-application guides are on the portal. veterans.certify.sba.gov
- After approval. Certification lasts 3 years. SDVOSBs can compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts government-wide; VOSBs get Vets First priority at VA. Keep SAM active and recertify on time.
Stuck? SBA VetCert help line: 1-800-862-8088 (Mon–Fri, 8–6 ET) or vetcert@sba.gov.
State State & local certification
- Find your state's program. Most states run their own veteran-owned business certification through the state procurement office or department of veterans affairs. Start with the NASDVA state directory.
- Register on your state's vendor portal. Each state differs — some honor your federal VetCert, others require their own application. State certification opens state and municipal set-asides federal VetCert does not cover.
- Get free local help. Your regional APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC) walks veterans through state and federal registration at no cost.
- Organize it once. The same eligibility file — ownership, control, DD214, ratings letter — feeds both applications. Keep that file in one folder — guided intake support is coming soon.
VetOps helps you prepare and organize. Certification decisions belong to SBA and your state.
Business intake
Prepare before the buyer asks.
Start with your services, records, registrations, and target market. VetOps is not a government agency. No guaranteed outcomes.