SDVOSB / VOSB Pre-Screen
Find out if you qualify for the federal Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business or Veteran-Owned Small Business set-aside programs. Free, no signup, stays in your browser.
Why these certifications matter
Federal agencies have a 3% government-wide SDVOSB contracting goal and the VA has Vets First — spending ~28% of its dollars with VOSBs and SDVOSBs. Some contracts are exclusively set aside for these certifications.
But the rules are strict and routinely caught in audits. This tool screens against the most common disqualifiers.
SDVOSB / VOSB Eligibility Check
Self-screen against the SBA's 13 CFR 125 ownership and control rules.
Are you a veteran (DD-214 with discharge other than dishonorable)?
Do you have a VA service-connected disability rating?(SDVOSB only)
Required only for SDVOSB. VOSB doesn't require a rating.
Do you (or other qualifying veterans collectively) own at least 51% of the business?
Is your ownership unconditional (no buy-back agreements, no restrictions, no third-party veto)?
Do you manage day-to-day operations of the business?
Are you the highest-ranking officer (e.g. CEO/President) and the highest-paid?
You can take less pay than market rate for cash-flow reasons; the "highest-paid" rule has carve-outs but expect scrutiny.
Do you commit full-time to managing the business during normal hours?
Does your business meet SBA size standards (varies by NAICS — typically <500 employees or <$X revenue)?
IF married — does your non-veteran spouse have a controlling stake or veto power over major decisions?
Spouse co-ownership is fine. Spouse CONTROL or veto authority disqualifies. Common trap.
This is an unofficial pre-screen against 13 CFR 125 (SDVOSB) and 13 CFR 128 (VOSB). Final determination is made by SBA. Apply at VetCert.
Common disqualifiers we see
Non-veteran spouse signing big checks
Spouse co-ownership is fine. Spouse control isn't. If your operating agreement gives a non-veteran spouse veto authority over major decisions — borrowing, hiring, capital calls — you fail the unconditional-control test.
Veteran with a side W-2
Full-time management means full-time. If you have a 9-to-5 day job and run the SDVOSB nights and weekends, SBA will ding you on the management commitment requirement.
Outside investor with veto rights
Bringing on an angel investor or PE firm with board veto on hiring/firing the CEO breaks unconditional control. Negotiate veto rights down to economic-protection covenants only.
Veteran is highest-paid in compensation but not on paper
The "highest officer / highest paid" rule has carve-outs (you can take less to preserve cash), but you must be the highest-ranking officer (CEO/President) on paper at all times.
JV partner is bigger than you
Joint ventures with a non-veteran partner can work, but the SDVOSB partner must be the managing venturer and meet specific revenue and capability splits per 13 CFR 125.18(b).
What you need to apply at VetCert
- •DD-214 (Member Copy 4)
- •VA disability rating letter (SDVOSB only)
- •Current operating agreement / bylaws / shareholder agreement
- •Articles of incorporation / formation
- •Most recent 3 years of personal and business tax returns
- •SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI)
- •List of officers, directors, and shareholders ≥10%