Guide
SDVOSB vs VOSB set-asides: who can bid on what
Certified SDVOSBs can compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. Certified VOSBs can compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts at the VA under its Vets First program. [SBA, Veteran contracting assistance programs]
Eligibility
Both require SBA certification, a VA identification as a veteran or service-disabled veteran, small business size under your NAICS codes, and at least 51% ownership and control by veterans. For SDVOSB, the 51% must be held by veterans the VA rates as service-disabled. [SBA, Veteran contracting assistance programs]
SDVOSB set-asides across the government
Any agency may restrict competition to SDVOSBs when it reasonably expects two or more eligible SDVOSBs to bid at a fair market price. [FAR 19.1405, Set-aside procedures] The rules are in FAR Subpart 19.14. [FAR Subpart 19.14, SDVOSB Program]
VOSB and SDVOSB set-asides at the VA
By law, a VA contracting officer shall restrict competition to veteran-owned or service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses when there is a reasonable expectation that two or more of them will submit offers, with exceptions set out in the statute. [38 U.S.C. 8127, VA Veterans First contracting] SBA says the VA sets aside at least 7% of its contracts each year for certified VOSBs and SDVOSBs. [SBA VetCert portal]
Which to pursue
SBA describes SDVOSB certification as opening sole-source and set-aside contracts across the government, and VOSB certification as opening them at the VA. [SBA, Veteran contracting assistance programs]
Common questions
- Is SDVOSB a subset of VOSB?
- Yes for eligibility: an SDVOSB is a veteran-owned small business whose owners are service-disabled veterans. SBA lists the same base requirements plus the service-disabled rating. [SBA, Veteran contracting assistance programs]
- What is the governmentwide SDVOSB goal?
- The SBA VetCert portal states that at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars each year are set aside for certified SDVOSBs. [SBA VetCert portal]
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Sources
- SBA, Veteran contracting assistance programs
- FAR Subpart 19.14, SDVOSB Program
- FAR 19.1405, Set-aside procedures
- SBA VetCert portal
- 38 U.S.C. 8127, VA Veterans First contracting
Checked against these sources on October 14, 2026. Rules change, so always read the current solicitation and regulation. This guide is general information, not legal advice.