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The VOSB certification stands for Veteran-Owned Small Business certification. The VOSB is administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The certification helps veteran entrepreneurs by giving them priority access to government contracts. It removes them from the general competition pool, allowing them to bid on jobs exclusively reserved for veteran businesses.
Key Points
• Veteran-Owned Small Business certification is administered by the Small Business Administration and requires at least 51% ownership by a veteran or service-disabled veteran.
• Certified businesses become eligible to compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs, which reserves at least 7% of annual contracts for certified businesses.
• Certification can also strengthen applications for private small business loans and grants available specifically to veterans and service-disabled veteran business owners.
• Applying requires registration in SAM.gov plus documentation proving veteran status, including a DD Form 214 and, for service-disabled veterans, a VA disability determination letter.
• Required business documents include Articles of Incorporation, ownership agreements, stock certificates showing veteran ownership, organizational charts, tax returns, and an IRS EIN issuance letter.
What Is the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program?
The SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program (VetCert) is the Small Business Administration’s centralized certification program for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. The program provides access to federal contracting opportunities. VetCert is composed of VOSB and SDVOSB.
VOSB vs. SDVOSB: What’s the Difference?
A VOSB is a small business that is at least 51% owned by a veteran. A SDVOSB is a small business that is at least 51% owned by a service-disabled veteran. VOSB stands for Veteran-Owned Small Business and SDVOSB stands for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business.
Both VOSB and SDVOSB certifications are managed by the Small Business Administration. A business can be both VOSB and SDVOSB certified if it meets the eligibility requirements for both programs.
Eligibility Requirements for VOSB Certification
To be eligible for VOSB certification, the business must be a small business according to SBA’s size standards and be registered as a small business with SAM.gov. The company must have at least 51% veteran ownership.
Benefits of Getting VOSB Certified
Getting certified by SBA as VOSB makes your business eligible to compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA sets aside at least 7% of its contracts each year for certified VOSBs and SDVOSBs. You can also compete for contracts under other qualifying socio-economic programs.
Being VOSB or SDVOSB certified may also help businesses when applying for private small business loans and grants for veterans or private small business loans and grants for disabled veterans.
Being VOSB certified also gives you access to SBA tools to prepare for federal procurement, connect with commercial supply chains, meet your local business community, purchase surplus federal property, access capital, and mitigate disaster damage.
How To Apply for VOSB Certification Through VetCert
To apply for VOSB certification through VetCert, you first need to be registered in SAM.gov and have your Unique Entity Identified (UEI) and your company’s bank account number handy.
To apply, visit the Veteran Small Business Certification portal to establish an account and login. You will need to provide documents proving veteran status, business ownership, control, and small business eligibility. For proof of veteran status, you will need a DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) for each veteran owner. For service-disabled veterans, a VA disability determination letter confirming permanent and total service-connected disability is also needed.
The business ownership documents that are needed include Articles of Incorporation, Operating Agreement or Partnership Agreement, as well as stock certificates or membership interest records showing veteran ownership and organization charts showing the management structure.
Financial and tax records needed include an IRS SS-4 TIN issuance letter with the correct business name and EIN and recent tax returns or financial statements to demonstrate small business status under SBA size standards.
Additional documents may be required.
How Long Does the VOSB Certification Process Take?
It can take several days, weeks or even months to prepare your application for the VOSB certification, depending on how long it takes you to gather and prepare the documents. Once the application is submitted, the review process generally takes up to 90 days, depending on the volume of applications being processed. Applications may experience delays if there are issues such as incomplete financial statements, missing signatures or unclear ownership structures.
Resources to Help With Your Application
Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) offer workshops, mentorship, and training to help veterans with the VOSB certification process. The SBA Office of Veterans Business Development can also answer questions regarding the application process.
The Takeaway
Getting VOSB certified can benefit a small business that is looking to compete for federal contracts. If you need tips for starting a small business, SoFi can help.
Ready to grow your business? SoFi Small Business Loans can give you fast access to the capital you need. Check your eligibility in minutes.
FAQ
What is the VetCert program?
The VetCert program is the Small Business Administration’s centralized certification program for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. The program provides access to federal contracting opportunities.
How long does VOSB certification last before it needs to be renewed?
A VOSB certification issued under the SBA is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed. There is no limit on the number of times you can recertify. You can apply for recertification before your current eligibility period ends.
Can a business be both VOSB and SDVOSB certified?
A business can be both VOSB and SDVOSB certified if it meets the eligibility requirements for both programs.
What documents do I need to apply for VOSB certification?
To apply for VOSB certification, you need to provide documents proving veteran status, business ownership, control, and small business eligibility. These include documents such as a DD Form 214, Articles of Incorporation, Operating Agreement, Partnership Agreement, stock certificates, membership interest records showing veteran ownership, organization charts, IRS SS-4 TIN issuance letter, and recent tax returns or financial statements. Additional documents may be required.
What federal contracting opportunities are available to certified VOSBs?
Getting certified by SBA as VOSB makes your business eligible to compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA sets aside at least 7% of its contracts each year for certified VOSBs and SDVOSBs.
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