SOCIO-ECONOMIC GROUPS
Learn more about the following VA Small and Veteran Business Programs and how VA encourages the involvement of small businesses at the subcontract level.
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VA »
Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization
»
VA Small and Veteran Business Programs
Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization
VA Small and Veteran Business Programs
Overview
For acquisition purposes, small and Veteran businesses must be independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which they are bidding on government contracts, and otherwise qualify as small businesses according to the Small Business Administration (SBA) criteria and size standards.
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program | Consistent with Public Law 109-461 and per VA’s mandate and mission, encouraging the participation of SDVOSBs in VA acquisition programs and awarding these firms contracts are highest priority for VA Small and Veteran Business Programs. |
| Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Program | VA encourages and is mandated to maximum use of VOSBs for participation and contracting priority in the Veterans First Contracting Program. As a complement, VA contract specialists conduct market research to seek out VOSBs that can meet their procurement needs. VA is the only agency that sets a goal and tracks participation of VOSBs. VA OSDBU is the advocate that monitors the Veterans First Contracting Program. Under the authority granted in Public Law 109-461, VA is authorized to set aside contracts and/or award sole source contracts to both SDVOSBs and VOSBs. |
| 8(a) Business Development Program | The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program—a two-phase business assistance program—helps small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal contracting marketplace. Contact your local SBA District Office to connect with a SBA representative for free counseling and information regarding eligibility requirements, training, financial assistance, and more. |
| Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program | The Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program is designed to help small businesses in rural and urban areas gain preference with federal contracting opportunities. Learn more » |
| Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program | Effective February 2011, the WOSB Federal Contract Program helps to expand federal contracting opportunities for WOSBs. Authorized contracting officers can set aside certain federal contracts for eligible WOSBs or Economically Disadvantaged WOSBs (EDWOSBs). VA OSDBU is responsible for negotiating annual goals with VA acquisition officials to increase the number of federal prime contracts awarded to WOSBs. The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (FASA) set an overall goal of 5 percent for WOSBs. Learn more » How to participate in the WOSB/EDWOSB Program:
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| Small and Disadvantaged Business Program | To improve and stimulate this small business segment, VA established a realistic Department-wide goal for the award of contracts to Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs)—small business concerns that are owned and controlled by socially- and economically-disadvantaged individuals. VA OSDBU is the advocate and manager for VA Small and Veteran Business Programs that encourages greater economic opportunity for minority entrepreneurs. Full definitions of social and economic disadvantage are outlined in 13 CFR § 124. Socially disadvantaged individuals are those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society because of their identities as members of groups and without regard to their individual qualities. The social disadvantage must stem from circumstances beyond their control. Learn more » |
- Mail only:
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
OSDBU Call Center:
1–866–584–2344
Email: vetbiz@va.gov
Hours: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (Eastern)
For advice on potential procurement opportunities in your area, contact your local
VA Small Business Liaison
VA Small Business Liaison
