Who handles VetCert now, SBA or VA?

SBA. NDAA 2021 moved certification from the VA to SBA as of January 1, 2023.

Can a VOSB bid on SDVOSB set-asides?

No. SDVOSB set-asides are restricted to SDVOSB concerns eligible under the SDVOSB Program. Certified VOSBs can pursue VA set-asides under Vets First.

Is there an official VetCert phone line?

SBA says the only legitimate SBA number for certifications is 1-866-SBA-HELP, and SBA only emails from @sba.gov addresses.

Guide

VetCert approved: what to do next

Updated October 14, 2026

Certification makes you eligible, but it does not bring bids to you. Keep your SAM.gov registration active, make sure your NAICS codes match your trade, and start searching set-aside opportunities. Certified SDVOSBs can compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government, and certified VOSBs can compete for them at the VA. [SBA, Veteran contracting assistance programs]

What certification gets you

SBA says certified SDVOSBs can compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the government, and certified VOSBs can pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the VA under its Vets First program. [SBA, Veteran contracting assistance programs] SBA took over certification from the VA on January 1, 2023. [SBA, Veteran contracting assistance programs]

Keep SAM.gov current

Contracting officers check your SDVOSB designation in SAM before evaluating a set-aside offer. [FAR 19.1405, Set-aside procedures] Renew your registration every 365 days. [SAM.gov, Entity registration] If SBA ever finds a firm no longer eligible, the firm must update its SAM status within 2 days of SBA’s final decision. [FAR 19.1403, Status]

Check your size and NAICS codes

To be certified you must be small under the size standard for the NAICS codes in your SAM profile. [SBA, Veteran contracting assistance programs] Size standards vary by industry and are generally based on employees or annual receipts. [SBA, Size standards] List the codes that match the trade work you actually perform.

Make sure buyers can find you

Certified veteran firms can be verified through SBA’s Small Business Search. [SBA VetCert portal] Fill out that profile so it describes your trade, your service area, and the work you do.

Start bidding

Search SAM.gov Contract Opportunities for notices that fit your trade. [SAM.gov, Contract Opportunities] Before you bid on construction, read the bonding and wage rules in our guide to pricing your first federal bid.

Common questions

Who handles VetCert now, SBA or VA?: SBA. NDAA 2021 moved certification from the VA to SBA as of January 1, 2023. [SBA, Veteran contracting assistance programs]
Can a VOSB bid on SDVOSB set-asides?: No. SDVOSB set-asides are restricted to SDVOSB concerns eligible under the SDVOSB Program. Certified VOSBs can pursue VA set-asides under Vets First. [FAR 19.1405, Set-aside procedures] [SBA, Veteran contracting assistance programs]
Is there an official VetCert phone line?: SBA says the only legitimate SBA number for certifications is 1-866-SBA-HELP, and SBA only emails from @sba.gov addresses. [SBA VetCert portal]

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Sources

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.