What Is VetCert?
VetCert is SBA's free certification program for veteran-owned (VOSB) and service-disabled veteran-owned (SDVOSB) small businesses.
VetCert in plain English
SBA took over veteran business certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on January 1, 2023. You apply for free through MySBA Certifications, and SBA reviews whether veterans own and control at least 51% of the business and whether it meets the program's other rules.
VetCert covers two statuses. An SDVOSB owner has a service-connected disability determined by the VA, and SDVOSBs can win set-asides and sole-source awards at any agency. A VOSB owner can be any veteran, and VOSB set-asides exist only at the VA.
Since January 1, 2024, SDVOSB set-asides and sole-source awards require SBA certification, and saying so in SAM.gov isn't enough. You recertify every three years, in the 90 days before your eligibility period ends (13 CFR 128.306).
Related terms
- SDVOSB (service-disabled veteran-owned small business): An SDVOSB (service-disabled veteran-owned small business) is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans.
- Set-aside: A set-aside is a contract reserved for small businesses, or for one type of small business such as HUBZone or women-owned firms. Others can't bid.
- Sole-source contract: A sole-source contract is awarded to one company without competition, which is allowed only in specific cases.
- WOSB (women-owned small business): A WOSB is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens, with women managing daily operations.
Put it to work
- SDVOSB certification and set-asides
- Open SDVOSB set-aside contracts
- SBA: Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert)
- 13 CFR 128.306, keeping your certification
Looking for another term? Browse the full glossary or the government contracting glossary guide.
Cyrus Hakimi writes and edits these definitions, using AI tools to help research and draft them, from the FAR, SBA rules and SAM.gov documentation. They're general information, not legal advice. Rules and thresholds change, so confirm the numbers on the official source before you act.