SDVOSB vs DVBE: Which Certification Fits Your Strategy?
Not sure if you need SDVOSB or DVBE certification? Here’s what each one means—and how we help you team or subcontract under both programs.
SDVOSB vs DVBE
SDVOSB and DVBE certifications both help service-disabled veterans compete in government contracting, but they apply to different jurisdictions and come with different benefits.
Whether you're a veteran business owner or a prime contractor looking for a qualified partner, knowing the difference is key.
What Is an SDVOSB?
An SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) is a federal certification issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through the VetCert program.
Key Benefits:
Set-aside and sole-source contract eligibility
Applies across all federal agencies (DoD, VA, GSA, DHS, etc.)
Required for VA’s Vets First Contracting Program
Can subcontract to fulfill the prime contractor's small business goals
What Is a DVBE?
A DVBE (Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise) is a California state-level certification issued by the Department of General Services (DGS).
Key Benefits:
Applies to California state and local contracts
Set-aside and incentive programs (e.g., 3% participation goals)
Used by agencies, school districts, and cities across California
Often required for prime contractors bidding on California RFPs
Which One Should You Pursue?
| Feature | SDVOSB (Federal) | DVBE (California) |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Federal (VA, DoD, GSA, etc.) | California state and local |
| Certifying Body | SBA (VetCert) | California DGS (OSDS) |
| Use Cases | Federal set-asides, subcontracts | State incentives, DVBE goal fulfillment |
| Ideal For | National federal contractors | California-based contractors and resellers |
Tip: Many veteran-owned businesses choose to pursue both to maximize opportunities at all levels of government.
How SSRJ and CalVetDVBE Can Help
SSRJ Consulting is a federally certified SDVOSB, offering:
Micro-purchase pass-throughs
Subcontracting and small prime work
Proposal writing and compliance support for federal contracts
California Veteran DVBE Strategies LLC is a state-certified DVBE, offering:
Certified DVBE teaming
Software and data reseller pass-throughs
Proposal support for state bids and forms
Together, we provide a dual-certified advantage to prime contractors and agencies needing both federal and state veteran business participation.
Need an SDVOSB or DVBE Partner?
SSRJ and CalVetDVBE offer certified support for both federal and California projects.
📞 Let’s team up and help you win. Contact us today.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Explained
What is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business? Here's what you need to know—and how SSRJ Consulting can support your SDVOSB goals.
A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) is a company that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans with a service-connected disability. The federal government created this designation to ensure that disabled veterans have meaningful opportunities to participate in government contracting.
Under SBA’s VetCert program, certified SDVOSBs are eligible for set-aside and sole-source federal contracts across nearly every agency.
Who Qualifies as an SDVOSB?
To be recognized as an SDVOSB by the federal government, your business must meet these criteria:
51% veteran ownership by one or more service-disabled veterans
The veteran(s) must control daily operations and long-term decisions
Your business must be classified as “small” under SBA size standards
You must be certified by the SBA through the Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) portal
This certification is required for eligibility on VA contracts (under Vets First) and is increasingly requested in solicitations from DoD, DHS, GSA, and other federal agencies.
Why It Matters in Government Contracting
SDVOSBs benefit from:
3% of federal contracting dollars are reserved annually
Sole-source awards up to $5 million for manufacturing and $4.5 million for services
Set-aside contracts exclusive to SDVOSBs
Strong subcontracting demand from large primes needing to meet small business goals
Whether you’re aiming to prime small federal awards or join a teaming agreement, SDVOSB status provides a significant advantage in competitive acquisitions.
A Certified SDVOSB You Can Partner With
At SSRJ Consulting, we don’t just help other veteran-owned businesses—we are one.
We are a federally certified SDVOSB and a ready partner for:
Micro-purchase and simplified acquisition pass-throughs
Subcontracting on larger proposals
Serving as a small prime on professional services, compliance, and technical scopes
Supporting agencies with quick-turn SDVOSB contract fulfillment
Whether you're an agency seeking to meet SDVOSB goals or a prime contractor needing a qualified teaming partner, SSRJ delivers SDVOSB compliance with speed and professionalism.
Looking for a Certified SDVOSB?
Let’s work together on your next federal opportunity. SSRJ Consulting is ready to support VA, DHS, and DoD buyers as a verified SDVOSB small business.
📞 Contact us today to discuss your contracting needs.
California DVBE Certification
Need a certified DVBE subcontractor in California? We can help you succeed.
The Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) program in California helps service-disabled veteran entrepreneurs win public contracts by offering bid incentives, set-aside opportunities, and preferred vendor status with state agencies.
If you're a veteran-owned business in California, pursuing California DVBE certification can give you a strategic edge in state and local contracting.
California DVBE Certification
Who Qualifies for DVBE Certification?
To qualify, a business must:
Be at least 51% owned by one or more disabled veterans
Have daily operations and long-term decisions controlled by a disabled veteran
Be domiciled in California
Be independently owned and operated
Meet the size standards for a “small business” under California law
Certification is managed by the California Department of General Services (DGS) through its Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (OSDS).
Why It Matters
State agencies and many public entities are required to award at least 3% of their contract dollars to certified DVBEs. This includes:
Construction and engineering contracts
IT, software, and professional services
Local government and education agency opportunities
Certified DVBEs can also benefit from contractor incentives, scoring advantages, and subcontractor partnerships with larger primes.
Need A California DVBE Partner?
Our sister company, California Veteran DVBE Strategies LLC, specializes in:
Meeting DVBE Set-Aside Requirements for Prime Contractors
Developing DVBE-Supported Proposals
Preparing for participation as a DVBE subcontractor on major public contracts
They also serve as an active DVBE subcontractor for agencies and prime contractors across California.
For California DVBE support, we refer clients to our trusted partner at californiavetdvbe.com.
What Is an SDVOSB?
“SDVOSB” means more than a set-aside—it’s a strategic tool. Here’s how SSRJ Consulting supports VA, DHS, and DoD buyers as a certified SDVOSB prime or passthrough partner.
SDVOSB stands for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, a federal certification that gives eligible veteran-owned companies access to exclusive set-aside and sole-source contracts. The SBA manages certification through its Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program.
To qualify:
51% or more owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
Daily operations and long-term decisions are managed by the veteran
Small business under SBA size standards
What Is an SDVOSB?
SDVOSBs in VA, DHS, and DoD Contracting
Three federal buyers lead the way in awarding contracts to SDVOSBs:
🏥 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA is required by law (38 U.S.C. 8127) to prioritize SDVOSBs and VOSBs under its “Vets First” program. This makes SDVOSB status essential for VA contracting—even above other small business preferences.
🛡 U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
DHS actively uses SDVOSB set-asides for IT, security, program management, and disaster response services. Fast-moving awards and mission-critical needs make SDVOSB agility a plus.
⚙ U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
The DoD awards billions annually to SDVOSBs through primes, subcontracting, and OTAs. Agencies like the Army, Navy, and Air Force often seek SDVOSBs for logistics, systems support, and professional services.
SSRJ Consulting: Certified SDVOSB Support for Micro-Purchases and Small Awards
SSRJ Consulting is a verified SDVOSB and active federal contractor. We help VA, DHS, and DoD buyers meet SDVOSB participation targets through:
Micro-purchase pass-throughs (ideal for sub-$250K {annual} awards)
Small contract prime support for well-defined scopes
Responsive teaming for larger agency-driven initiatives
Procurement-ready documentation (SAM, SBA VetCert, DUNS, Cage Code, NAICS)
We specialize in program support, proposal development, data analytics, and technical services—and we move fast when deadlines matter.
Need SDVOSB Coverage for an Upcoming Award?
SSRJ Consulting supports VA, DHS, and DoD programs with certified SDVOSB passthrough and prime contracting options.
📞 Let’s discuss your procurement needs—contact us today
What Is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)?
A service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) is a powerful force in federal contracting. Learn what it means, how to qualify, and how to partner with one to win more bids.
A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) is a federally recognized small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by a veteran with a service-connected disability. These businesses are eligible for set-aside and sole-source federal contracts, playing a critical role in supporting veteran entrepreneurship in the public sector.
The U.S. government is committed to awarding at least 3% of all federal contract dollars to SDVOSBs every year.
SDVOSB Certification Requirements
To qualify as an SDVOSB, a company must:
Be a small business under applicable NAICS size standards
Be at least 51% owned and operated by one or more service-disabled veterans
Have day-to-day operations managed by a service-disabled veteran
Be certified through SBA’s Veteran Small Business Certification Program (VetCert)
👉 Apply here: veterans.certify.sba.gov
Once approved, SDVOSBs are listed in the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) and are eligible for participation in SDVOSB set-aside and sole-source contracts.
Why Work with an SDVOSB?
There are several strategic reasons agencies and prime contractors seek out SDVOSBs:
Competitive Advantage
SDVOSB set-asides reduce competition and increase the chance of an award for qualified vendors.
Teaming Value
Primes benefit from teaming with SDVOSBs to meet small business subcontracting goals and qualify for SDVOSB points in proposal evaluations.
Mission Alignment
Supporting SDVOSBs honors the federal government’s commitment to veteran entrepreneurship and the inclusion of service-connected veterans.
SSRJ Consulting: A Certified SDVOSB Proposal Partner
SSRJ Consulting is a certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that assists other federal contractors in achieving success.
Our core service is proposal writing for federal, state, municipal, and DOD clients, serving a range of clients from small businesses to large primes across various sectors, including defense, cybersecurity, logistics, and professional services.
We offer:
Full-service RFP/RFQ response development
Teaming support and good-faith effort documentation
Insight into agency preferences and evaluation scoring
SDVOSB participation on prime-led bids
Whether you’re seeking an SDVOSB subcontractor or need expert proposal support, we bring veteran insight and award-winning writing to every engagement.
Partner With a Proven SDVOSB
📞 Seeking an experienced and responsive SDVOSB?
Need help writing or responding to a federal proposal?
Connect with SSRJ Consulting—your trusted SDVOSB partner in government contracting success.
What Is an SDVOSB?
An SDVOSB certification is more than a label—it’s a strategic advantage in the federal marketplace. Here's what it means and how it can help your agency or business win.
SDVOSB stands for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business—a federal designation for small businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans.
This certification allows eligible companies to compete for set-aside and sole-source contracts under federal small business programs. It’s a core part of the government’s effort to recognize and reward veterans through economic opportunity.
SDVOSB Certification Requirements
To qualify as an SDVOSB, a business must meet these basic criteria:
Be a small business under the SBA size standards
Be 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
Have day-to-day operations and long-term decision-making managed by a service-disabled veteran
Be verified through SBA’s Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) portal
👉 Learn more or apply at: veterans.certify.sba.gov
Why SDVOSB Status Matters in Federal Contracting
The U.S. government has set a goal of awarding 3% of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs. Many agencies—including the VA, DoD, DHS, and GSA—actively seek SDVOSB participation across procurement programs.
Benefits include:
Set-aside contracts reserved exclusively for SDVOSBs
Sole-source awards for urgent or unique procurements
Competitive advantage on prime contracts
High demand for SDVOSB teaming partners and subcontractors
SSRJ Consulting: Your SDVOSB Proposal Partner
SSRJ Consulting is a verified SDVOSB focused on federal proposal development. We help government contractors:
Develop winning proposals for RFPs, RFQs, and IDIQs
Satisfy SDVOSB participation goals as a subcontractor or teaming partner
Write compliance-driven responses tailored to each agency's needs
Navigate government sales strategy with veteran insight and experience
Whether you're responding to a VA set-aside or looking for an SDVOSB teammate to strengthen your bid, we’re ready to support you.
Work With an SDVOSB That Knows How to Win
Contact SSRJ Consulting to explore subcontracting, teaming, or full-service proposal writing. As a federal SDVOSB, we understand both sides of the contract—what agencies expect, and how to deliver it.
SDVOSB Certification Guide | Benefits & Success Tips for Veteran-Owned Businesses
SDVOSB certification offers veteran-owned small businesses access to set-aside contracts, networking opportunities, and a competitive edge in federal procurement. This guide explains how to qualify, apply, and fully leverage the benefits of certification to grow your government contracting business.
Understanding SDVOSB Certification and Its Benefits
Introduction
The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification is a valuable designation that offers unique advantages in the federal contracting marketplace. This certification can be a powerful growth tool for businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans—unlocking access to exclusive opportunities, resources, and partnerships. This guide overviews the SDVOSB certification process, its key benefits, and how to leverage it for contracting success.
What Is SDVOSB Certification?
SDVOSB certification is granted to small businesses that are majority-owned and operated by U.S. service-disabled veterans. Managed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), the certification enables qualifying businesses to compete for set-aside and sole-source contracts from federal agencies that prioritize veteran participation.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for SDVOSB certification, a business must meet the following criteria:
At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
A service-disabled veteran must manage day-to-day operations and long-term decisions
The veteran must have a verified service-connected disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
How to Obtain SDVOSB Certification
The certification process involves submitting an application through the Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program at the SBA. Applicants must provide documentation proving veteran status, ownership structure, control, and business operations. A successful application results in a three-year certification, subject to renewal and compliance audits.
Key Benefits of SDVOSB Certification
1. Access to Set-Aside and Sole-Source Contracts
Federal agencies are mandated to reserve a portion of their procurement budgets for SDVOSBs, creating dedicated pathways for contract awards.
2. Competitive Edge in Procurement
SDVOSB status can enhance proposal competitiveness and demonstrate a commitment to public service values.
3. Networking & Business Development Opportunities
Certification opens doors to matchmaking events, procurement fairs, and teaming opportunities with prime contractors seeking SDVOSB partners.
4. Access to Government Resources
Certified SDVOSBs can tap into training, counseling, and technical assistance offered by SBA and PTAC offices nationwide.
Leveraging Your SDVOSB Status
Certification alone isn’t enough—businesses must actively market their SDVOSB status. Highlight it in:
Proposal narratives and capability statements
Company website and marketing collateral
Registrations on SAM.gov and other procurement platforms
Engage with the agencies’ Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) to increase visibility and partnership potential.
Conclusion
SDVOSB certification is a strategic asset for service-disabled veteran entrepreneurs entering the government market. By understanding the requirements and benefits, and by actively promoting your certification, your business can gain a significant advantage in the competitive world of federal contracting.
Understanding SDVOSB Certification and Its Benefits in Government Contracting
SDVOSB certification offers a competitive edge in federal contracting for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. This in-depth guide covers how to qualify, apply, and use the certification to unlock exclusive opportunities and grow in the government marketplace.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification offers significant advantages in government contracting. This article provides a comprehensive overview of SDVOSB certification, its benefits, and how it can help your business succeed in the competitive federal marketplace.
What is SDVOSB Certification? SDVOSB certification is given to small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. This certification provides SDVOSB firms access to specific government contracting opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements To qualify for SDVOSB certification, your business must meet specific criteria, including veteran ownership and control and a valid service-connected disability rating from the VA.
How to Obtain SDVOSB Certification The certification process involves applying for the VA or SBA and supporting documentation. Understanding the requirements and gathering the necessary paperwork is key to a successful application.
Understanding SDVOSB Certification and Its Benefits
Benefits of SDVOSB Certification
Access to Set-Aside Contracts: Government agencies must allocate a certain percentage of contracts to SDVOSB firms, increasing your chances of winning contracts.
Competitive Advantage: SDVOSB certification can differentiate your business from competitors and demonstrate your commitment to public service.
Networking Opportunities: Certified SDVOSBs can join exclusive networks and attend events that connect them with government buyers and prime contractors.
Support and Resources: SDVOSBs can access various support programs and resources to help them succeed in government contracting.
Leveraging Your Certification Once certified, it’s essential to market your SDVOSB status actively. Highlight it in your proposals, website, and marketing materials to attract government buyers and partners.
Conclusion: SDVOSB certification is a powerful tool for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses looking to expand into government contracting. Understanding the benefits and leveraging your certification effectively can unlock new opportunities and drive your business growth.