CERTIFICATION GUIDE
SDVOSB Certification Guide
SDVOSB certification supports federal set-aside and sole-source paths for eligible small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. SBA VetCert is the official certification portal. Prime Leads is an independent commercial service, not affiliated with or endorsed by the SBA, GSA, VA, or any federal agency. This is general information, not legal or eligibility advice. Rules change through legislation, rulemaking, and court decisions; last verified June 2026 against official sources.
DIRECT ANSWER
What is SDVOSB certification guide?
SDVOSB certification supports federal set-aside and sole-source paths for eligible small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. SBA VetCert is the official certification portal.
OFFICIAL STARTING POINT
Start with the official source before acting.
SDVOSB certification supports federal set-aside and sole-source paths for eligible small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. SBA VetCert is the official certification portal.
Prime Leads is an independent commercial service, not affiliated with or endorsed by the SBA, GSA, VA, or any federal agency. This is general information, not legal or eligibility advice. Rules change through legislation, rulemaking, and court decisions; last verified June 2026 against official sources.
- Official portal
- Use veterans.certify.sba.gov for SBA VetCert.
- Core criteria
- At least 51 percent ownership and control by one or more service-disabled veterans.
- Current caveat
- Certification moved from VA to SBA, and self-certification for set-aside and sole-source federal contracts ended January 1, 2024.
RECOMPETE USE
Use certification context to prioritize real opportunities, not abstract labels.
A certification can matter when it lines up with the buyer, NAICS code, set-aside history, and timing of a real requirement.
Prime Leads connects certification context to contracts approaching recompete so a small contractor can decide where a status actually changes the pursuit.
- Opportunity fit
- Does the agency buy this work under set-aside paths that match the certification?
- Timing
- Is a current award nearing a cliff with public procurement motion?
- Proof
- Can the company show past performance that fits the scope?
FAQ
Questions before you act on the signal.
Where do SDVOSBs apply?
Use SBA VetCert at veterans.certify.sba.gov.
Can a company self-certify for SDVOSB set-asides?
For federal set-aside and sole-source work, formal certification is now required.