What Are the Top Federal Contracting Opportunities for Military Veterans?

Why Federal Contracts?

Federal contracts offer incredible financial support for veterans who own small businesses. Did you know the U.S. government is the largest customer in the world and buys all kinds of products and services? Who wouldn’t want to partner with such a huge client?

Top Federal Contracting Opportunities for Veterans

Now that you have an understanding of the benefits of government contracts, we’ll go over the top federal contracting opportunities for veterans.

The Small Business Administration’s Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concern Program (SDVOSBC)

The SBA developed the SDVOSBC program to help federal agencies meet the government’s goal of awarding at least 3% of prime contract and subcontract opportunities to veterans. This program creates set-aside contracts and sole-source awards to meet that goal.

This program is self-certifying, meaning you don’t have to undergo a verification process to receive a federal contract. All you have to do is indicate the status of your business as a “service-disabled veteran-owned small business.” Some individual contracting officers may ask you for documentation of your eligibility before proceeding. This documentation can include:

• A copy of your military records through form DD214.
• Evidence of your service-connected disability from the VA.

To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Qualify as a small business according to the SBA’s size standards
• Be at least 51% owned and controlled by at least one service-disabled vets.
• Have at least one service-disabled veteran managing daily operations and long-term decisions for the company.
• Have a certified service-connected disability.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans First Contracting Program

The VA’s hierarchy for contracts puts the highest priority on service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, followed by veteran-owned small businesses. These two veteran-owned business categories have higher priority for federal contracting opportunities than HUBZone, woman-owned, and other small businesses. In fact, this is currently the only program that gives the highest priority to veterans while also providing a preference for veteran business owners who are not service-disabled.

Each year, the US Government’s goal is to award 3% of its contracting dollars to to veteran-owned small businesses.

To be eligible for the VA’s federal contracting opportunities, your business must pass the Department of Veterans Affairs verification process and meet the following requirements:

• Have one or more eligible veterans who own and control the business.
• Meet “good character requirements” and not be owned by someone who is incarcerated or on parole or probation for a felony or other crime pertaining to business integrity.
• Be in good financial standing without unresolved tax liens or unpaid financial obligations.

To help veteran business owners navigate the VA’s verification process easier and more successfully, the agency has a number of resources available to help veterans go through the process. You can find a free Certified Assistance Counselor near you by clicking here.

Surplus Personal Property for Veteran-Owned Small Business

The SBA offers federally owned personal property that is no longer in use to veteran-owned small businesses through the Surplus Personal Property for Veteran-Owned Small Business.

To be eligible for this program, your VOSB must meet the following requirements:

• It is located and operates in the state the property is coming from.
• It is registered and has passed verification through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Vets First Verification Program.
• At least one eligible veteran, service-disabled veteran, or surviving spouse owns and operates the business.
• It will use the property for business activities only — personal and non-business uses are not allowed.
• Plans to use the property as intended within one year of receiving it.
• Will give SBA, GSA, and SASP the ability to inspect the property and all related records as needed.

You can review the full list of eligibility requirements here.

We Can Help

If you’re a veteran-owned business looking for help finding federal contracting opportunities, Rafael Marrero & Company can help. We’re proud to work with small businesses to help win federal contracts. Contact us today to learn more.