Veteran assistance programs

Every year, the federal government awards a portion of contracting dollars specifically to businesses owned by veterans. Also, small businesses owned by veterans may be eligible to purchase surplus property from the federal government. Use the table below to determine which programs are right for you.

Small businesses owned by veterans can compete for set-aside contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Through its Veterans First Contracting program, VA awards a large amount of contract dollars to veterans every year by offering set-aside contracting opportunities. VA also sets aside contracting opportunities for businesses owned by veterans who are service-disabled.

Businesses must be formally verified as a Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) to participate.

Currently, eligible small businesses must receive their VOSB verification through VA’s Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE).

Start your VOSB verification through the VA CVE.

As required by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2021, VA’s Center for Verification and Evaluation will be transferred to SBA effective January 1, 2023.

What this means for your business

• There is no immediate action required for VOSB or SDVOSB verified small business owners at this time.
• We will provide additional guidance for self-certified SDVOSBs. The 2021 NDAA permits self-certified SDVOSBs up to one year after the transfer to remain self-certified.
• VOSBs or SDVOSBs verified by VA at the time of the transfer will not lose their status.
• VA and SBA are committed to being transparent and providing a seamless transition with minimal impact to small businesses participating in the program.
• Both agencies will keep all stakeholders, including VOSBs and SDVOSBs, updated on the new CVE processes.

You can learn more about this in our Frequently Asked Questions about the transfer of the Center for Verification and Evaluation to SBA.

For questions about CVE’s transfer to SBA, please email cvetransfer@sba.gov.

The federal government aims to award at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) each year.

Competition is limited for certain federal contract opportunities to businesses that participate in the SDVOSB program.

Joining the SDVOSB program makes your business eligible to compete for the program’s set-aside contracts. You can still compete for contract awards under other socio-economic programs you qualify for.

SDVOSBs may self-certify their status to compete for set-aside contracts at most federal agencies. However, VA does not recognize SDVOSB self-certification. VA SDVOSB contractors must be verified by the Center for Verification and Evaluation.

To qualify for the SDVOSB program, your business must:

• Be a small business according to SBA’s size standards
• Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
• Have one or more service-disabled veterans manage day-to-day operations who also make long-term decisions
• Eligible veterans must have a service-connected disability

You can view the full eligibility requirements in Title 13 Part 125 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations.

You can self-certify your business to the federal government as being owned by a service-disabled veteran. Simply update the socio-economic status section of your business profile at SAM.gov.

Veteran-owned small businesses can access federally owned personal property no longer in use through the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program.

GSA oversees the reuse and donation of federal personal property. It also:

• Manages GSAXcess.gov
• Allocates property to the states for donation
• Reviews State Agency for Surplus Property (SASP) operations

SASP manages surplus property disbursement, including:

• Verification of eligibility
• Program compliance
• Fee collection
• Recordkeeping
• Dispute resolution (in accordance with respective states’ operating plans)

VOSBs may get federal surplus property from the SASP in the state where the property will be primarily located and used. You must agree in writing that your VOSB:

• Is located and operated within the state
• Is unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more eligible veterans, service-disabled veterans, or surviving spouses
• Has registered and is in “verified” status in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Vets First Verification Program database
• Will use the property in the normal conduct of its business activities (personal or non-business use is prohibited)
• Will not sell, transfer, loan, lease, encumber or otherwise dispose of the property during the period of restriction unless it has received express written authorization from SASP, GSA, and SBA
• Will get permission from the donating SASP before permanently removing the property from the state
• Will use the property as intended within one year of receipt
• Will maintain its VOSB eligibility with VA and SASP for the duration of the applicable federal period of restriction for donated property
• Will give SBA, GSA, and/or SASP access to inspect the property and all pertinent records

You must also state in writing that if your VOSB violates any of the requirements agreed to, it must return the property to the donating SASP at your expense.

Additionally, if you sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of acquired surplus property in violation of the agreement covering sale and disposal, you will be liable to the federal government for the fair market value (as determined by GSA or the donating SASP) or the property’s sale price, whichever is greater.

Review the full eligibility requirements from the Code of Federal Regulations.

Contact the SASP in the state where your VOSB is headquartered for more details on program requirements and eligibility.

Learn more about GSA’s Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program.

Review more SBA programs for veterans or contact us at:

Office of Veterans Business Development
409 Third St. S.W., Suite 5700
Washington, DC 20416
202-205-6773