Glossary · Government contracting
What is an SDVOSB?
An SDVOSB is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business — a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans — eligible for federal set-aside and sole-source contracts reserved for such firms.
The federal government sets an annual goal for the share of contracting dollars awarded to SDVOSBs, and certain solicitations are 'set aside' exclusively for them. Since 2023, SDVOSB certification is administered by the SBA (via the Veteran Small Business Certification program), replacing prior self-certification for most purposes.
A VOSB (Veteran-Owned Small Business) is the broader category — at least 51% veteran-owned — while SDVOSB adds the service-disabled requirement.
A newly-certified SDVOSB becomes eligible for set-aside work, which makes it a fresh teaming partner or subcontractor for primes, and a target for vendors that sell into the govcon ecosystem.
Source: US Small Business Administration (Veteran Small Business Certification); VA.
FAQ
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What is the difference between VOSB and SDVOSB?
A VOSB is at least 51% owned by one or more veterans; an SDVOSB additionally requires that one or more of those veterans be service-disabled. SDVOSBs are eligible for service-disabled set-aside contracts.
Who certifies SDVOSBs?
Since January 2023, SDVOSB and VOSB certification is administered by the US Small Business Administration through the Veteran Small Business Certification program.
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