The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program. This program has been instrumental in expanding federal contracting opportunities for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). Under the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to supporting veterans and underserved populations, the VetCert program has approved over 10,400 applications from VOSBs and SDVOSBs with an impressive average processing time of just 15 days.
SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman praised the success of the VetCert program, stating, "The SBA's VetCert, in just its first year of operation, has delivered a platinum standard of customer experience in this critical veteran small business certification program. With new policies, processes, and technology, we've simplified doing business with the federal government for America's military community."
The VetCert program serves as the primary certification vehicle for VOSBs and SDVOSBs, enabling them to qualify for sole-source and set-aside federal contracting awards. Certified VOSBs are eligible to compete for contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs, while certified SDVOSBs can compete for contracts government-wide.
Since its inception on January 9, 2023, the VetCert program has implemented several improvements to streamline the certification experience for veteran entrepreneurs. Notable accomplishments in the first year include providing veterans with a central support platform for their small business certification needs, offering reciprocal certification for businesses with remaining eligibility in the women-owned small business (WOSB) and 8(a) programs, and creating a more business-friendly approach by streamlining the application process and aligning ownership and control requirements across various programs.
The SBA has also introduced the web-based Veterans Case Management System (VCMS) material change module, allowing veteran-certified companies to report changes in ownership, company structure, and veteran status. Additionally, the SBA has retained customer-friendly aspects of prior veteran certification programs, such as a call center, direct contact with case processing agents, and a robust Frequently Asked Questions library.
To ensure continuity in doing business with the federal government, self-certified SDVOSBs that did not apply before the January 1, 2024 deadline are encouraged to complete their applications as soon as possible.
The success of the VetCert program is evident in the number of applications approved and the efficient processing time. It not only supports veteran entrepreneurs with access to government contracting but also promotes innovation, competition, job creation, and wealth generation, benefiting the American people and economy.
Moving forward, the SBA will continue to offer monthly virtual VetCert webinars for veteran applicants interested in the certification process. These webinars provide valuable information and guidance for veterans looking to pursue federal contracting opportunities.
The SBA's dedication to supporting veteran-owned small businesses is reflected in the growth of the SBA database, which now includes over 25,000 certified firms. For more information on the Veteran Small Business Certification program, visit the SBA's website or email vetcert@sba.gov.
The one-year anniversary of the VetCert program marks a significant milestone in the SBA's commitment to veterans and underserved populations. Through streamlined processes and increased accessibility, the SBA is empowering veteran entrepreneurs to thrive in the federal contracting space. As the SBA continues to support small businesses, it reinforces the American dream of business ownership and drives economic growth across the nation.
Click this link to access more information: https://www.sba.gov/article/2024/01/09/sba-marks-one-year-anniversary-veteran-small-business-certification-program
