Veteran-Owned and Contract Ready

November is a time to recognize and thank those who have served our country. It is also an opportunity to recognize veterans who have taken another significant step: becoming a business owner. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is celebrating National Veterans Small Business Week (November 9-13).

For veteran business owners interested in government contracting, being veteran-owned can create opportunities. But simply being a veteran and owning a business does not automatically make those opportunities happen. You need to understand the programs, become certified when appropriate, make your company easy to find, and sell something the government needs.

VOSB or SDVOSB

The SBA’s Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program certifies Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs).

Generally, a business seeking certification must be a small business and be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans. For SDVOSB certification, at least 51% of the business must be owned and controlled by one or more veterans who have a service-disability recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

A certified VOSB may compete for sole-source and set-aside opportunities through the Department of Veterans Affairs. A certified SDVOSB may compete for SDVOSB set-aside and sole-source opportunities across the federal government. The federal government’s current contracting goal is to award at least 5% of federal prime contracting dollars to SDVOSBs.

Something Important Changed

Previously, certain service-disabled veteran-owned businesses could self-certify their status for federal contracting purposes. That has changed.

As of December 22, 2024, businesses generally must be certified through SBA’s VetCert program for their SDVOSB status to count toward federal contracting and subcontracting goals. Businesses that submitted a complete certification application by the deadline may retain certain eligibility while SBA reviews their application. If your company has identified itself as veteran-owned for years, don’t assume your certification status is current. Take time to verify it.

SBA does not charge a fee to apply for its certification programs. Applications and certification changes are handled through SBA’s certification system.

Six Actions to Consider

1. Keep your SAM.gov registration active and accurate. Make sure your legal business information, NAICS codes, points of contact, and other information are current.
2. Check your SBA Small Business Search profile. Certification helps a contracting officer identify your company, but your profile still needs to explain what you actually do. Include useful keywords, capabilities, and relevant past performance.
3. Find out who buys what you sell. Do not market to every federal agency just because you are certified. Research past purchases, identify agencies buying your products or services, and understand their buying patterns. Government contracting becomes more manageable when you have a target.
4. Do not overlook subcontracting. Large prime contractors need capable small-business suppliers, and subcontracting can provide experience, relationships, and past performance.
5. Sell your capabilities. What problem do you solve? What makes your company different? What experience do you have? Why should an agency or prime contractor choose you? Your veteran certification can help create an opportunity, but your capabilities win the work.
6. North Dakota APEX Accelerator advisors can assist businesses with the veteran certification process, market research, registrations, other certifications, subcontracting strategies, and other government contracting needs. Veteran entrepreneurs should also connect with the VBOC of the Dakotas.

Think of VetCert as another tool in your government contracting toolbox, not your entire strategy. Your veteran status may help open doors. Your preparation, capabilities, pricing, past performance, relationships, and ability to solve the government’s problem will help determine what happens after the door opens.

If you are unsure where to start or how to get organized, connect with the North Dakota APEX Accelerator. Our services are available at no cost to North Dakota businesses. Register your business to schedule an appointment and take advantage of our government contracting training and resources.