How to Leverage Teaming Partnerships with SDVOSB & DVBE Firms
Teaming with SDVOSB and DVBE firms helps small businesses win state contracts. Learn how partnerships boost scores, compliance, and contract awards.
Using Teaming Partnerships with SDVOSB & DVBE Firms to Win State Contracts
In government contracting, few small businesses can go it alone. Teaming partnerships — especially with certified firms like SDVOSBs and DVBEs — can be the difference between losing a bid and securing the award.
Here’s how teaming strategies help you win more state and local contracts (and how they differ from federal teaming).
1. Why Teaming Matters
Access to Bigger Opportunities: Small firms can pursue larger contracts by combining resources.
Stronger Proposals: Partnering adds depth to past performance, staffing, and technical capabilities.
Compliance & Incentives: Working with an SDVOSB or DVBE can boost your score through bid preferences or subcontracting goals.
2. State-Level Teaming Advantages
California DVBE Program: Primes often need certified DVBE partners to meet the state’s 3% participation goal.
Local Preferences: Counties and cities frequently award additional evaluation points for local or veteran-owned partners.
Practical Benefit: For primes, teaming is often a compliance requirement — making DVBEs and SDVOSBs highly sought after.
3. Federal vs. State Teaming
Federal: Structured through Mentor-Protégé Programs, Joint Ventures, or FAR Part 9 subcontracting. Emphasis on compliance and detailed agreements.
State & Local: More flexible, with emphasis on meeting participation percentages, practical delivery, and local economic impact.
4. Keys to a Strong Teaming Agreement
Define scope of work clearly (who does what).
Ensure compliance with “commercially useful function” rules (especially in California’s DVBE program).
Outline revenue splits and subcontracting percentages.
Present the team as a seamless, integrated solution in the proposal.
5. Real-World Example
A mid-sized IT firm bidding on a $10M California Department of Transportation contract partnered with a DVBE firm. The DVBE handled project administration and compliance reporting, meeting the state’s DVBE requirement. This partnership not only boosted the prime’s evaluation score but also secured them the award over lower-priced competitors.
Key Points
Teaming with SDVOSB and DVBE-certified firms is a win-win: primes meet compliance requirements, while veteran-owned firms gain access to contracts they couldn’t secure alone. The key is building partnerships that go beyond paper compliance and create lasting business growth.
👉 For more guidance on writing teaming-friendly proposals, see Your First Government Contract, or Contact SSRJ Today.
SDVOSB vs DVBE
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: Which Certification Fits Your Strategy?
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.
California DVBE Certification
Want to become a certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) in California? Here's how it works—and who can help you succeed.
California DVBE Certification: What You Need to Know
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 (most often evidenced by the business owner receiving a VA compensation check every month).
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.
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.