California DVBE Certification: What You Need to Know
DVBE Certification
California’s Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) program helps service-disabled veteran-owned businesses compete for state and local government contracts. Many state agencies are required to award at least 3% of their contracts to certified DVBEs.
If you're a California-based veteran-owned business, DVBE certification can be a game-changer. Here's how to qualify—and where to get help.
Who Qualifies for California DVBE Certification?
To be certified as a DVBE by the California Department of General Services (DGS), your business must:
Be at least 51% owned by one or more disabled veterans
Be domiciled in California
Have disabled veterans managing day-to-day operations and long-term decisions
Meet California’s small business size standards.
Have a service-connected disability verified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the DoD
Certification is managed by DGS’s Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (OSDS).
Why DVBE Certification Matters
DVBE certification allows your business to:
Compete for set-aside contracts with state agencies, school districts, and local governments
Receive bid incentives when competing for non-set-aside contracts
Partner with prime contractors seeking to meet DVBE subcontracting goals
Be listed in the official California DVBE directory, used by buyers and primes
Where to Get Help with DVBE Certification
Our sister company, California Veteran DVBE Strategies LLC, specializes in helping veteran-owned businesses:
Apply for DVBE certification in California
Position their businesses for teaming opportunities
Act as a certified DVBE subcontractor for prime contractors across the state
Support RFP compliance with DVBE documentation and forms
They also provide DVBE reseller and pass-through services for software, data, and professional services.
Need Help with California DVBE Certification?
Visit CaliforniaVeteranDVBE.com to start the certification process, join a bid team, or find a qualified DVBE partner.
