VOVetOps AI

    Business readiness lane

    Turn veteran ownership into a contract-ready operating file.

    Prepare certification documents, capability language, procurement basics, and buyer-facing evidence without implying certification or award results.

    How to Get CertifiedReview Readiness Areas

    The path to certified

    Two free registrations, then the doors open.

    Everything below is free — never pay a third party to "register" you. Certification and contract decisions rest with SBA, VA, and the buying agencies.

    Step 1 — Register in SAM.gov

    Free, at sam.gov. You'll get a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and a CAGE code is assigned during the process. You need an EIN and bank details; plan on 2–4 weeks for activation and renew every 365 days. No SAM registration = no federal contract, period. Watch for scam emails offering paid "SAM renewal" — SAM never charges.

    Step 2 — Get VetCert certified

    Free, through SBA at veterans.certify.sba.gov. SDVOSB requires 51%+ ownership and day-to-day control by a veteran with a service-connected rating (any percentage — 0% counts). Have your DD214, VA rating letter, operating agreement, and ownership docs ready. Certification lasts 3 years; self-certification no longer counts for federal set-asides.

    What certification unlocks

    The government must aim 5% of all contract dollars at SDVOSBs. That means set-aside competitions limited to certified firms, sole-source awards up to $5M ($8.5M manufacturing) where an officer can hand you the contract directly, and at VA specifically, the Vets First rule: VA must consider SDVOSBs before any other business type.

    Your capability statement

    One page, PDF: core competencies, your NAICS codes, UEI + CAGE, past performance (military experience counts — quantify it), certifications, differentiators, and a direct phone/email. Every agency small-business office and matchmaking event asks for this document first. No past federal work? Lead with commercial results and your certs.

    Free help that knows this world

    APEX Accelerators (free one-on-one government-contracting counseling in every state), SBA's Veterans Business Outreach Centers for business plans and training, and your state's procurement office for state-level veteran preferences and vendor registration.

    Get certified

    How to register as an SDVOSB — federal and state.

    Since December 22, 2024, self-certification no longer counts toward federal set-aside goals. SBA VetCert certification is mandatory, free, and currently averages about 12 days to process. State certifications are separate and vary by state.

    Federal SBA VetCert (SDVOSB / VOSB)

    1. Register at SAM.gov. Free. This issues your Unique Entity ID (UEI) — required for any federal contract. Renew it every year. sam.gov
    2. Gather your proof. DD214, VA disability rating letter (for SDVOSB), operating agreement or bylaws showing the veteran owns 51%+ and controls daily operations, and basic business records.
    3. Apply at SBA VetCert. Free — SBA charges no certification fees. Checklists and pre-application guides are on the portal. veterans.certify.sba.gov
    4. After approval. Certification lasts 3 years. SDVOSBs can compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts government-wide; VOSBs get Vets First priority at VA. Keep SAM active and recertify on time.

    Stuck? SBA VetCert help line: 1-800-862-8088 (Mon–Fri, 8–6 ET) or vetcert@sba.gov.

    State State & local certification

    1. Find your state's program. Most states run their own veteran-owned business certification through the state procurement office or department of veterans affairs. Start with the NASDVA state directory.
    2. Register on your state's vendor portal. Each state differs — some honor your federal VetCert, others require their own application. State certification opens state and municipal set-asides federal VetCert does not cover.
    3. Get free local help. Your regional APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC) walks veterans through state and federal registration at no cost.
    4. Organize it once. The same eligibility file — ownership, control, DD214, ratings letter — feeds both applications. Keep that file in one folder — guided intake support is coming soon.

    VetOps helps you prepare and organize. Certification decisions belong to SBA and your state.

    Business intake

    Prepare before the buyer asks.

    Start with your services, records, registrations, and target market. VetOps is not a government agency. No guaranteed outcomes.

    Beta Intake — Coming Soon

    Public registration and notifications are not currently available.