Guide
How to Find SDVOSB Set-AsideFederal Contracts
The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) program sets aside federal contracts for businesses owned by veterans with service-connected disabilities. If you have SDVOSB verification, here's how to find awarded contracts in your industry, identify the agencies spending the most, and research your competitors.
Verify your SDVOSB status through VetCert
To bid on SDVOSB set-aside contracts, your business must be verified through the SBA's VetCert system (formerly the VA's VIP database). You need a service-connected disability rating from the VA. The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans. Apply at vetcert.sba.gov — verification typically takes 60–90 days.
Find your NAICS code
Federal contracts are categorized by NAICS code. Use the Federal Contract Tracker's autocomplete — type your industry (e.g., 'janitorial', 'IT services', 'construction') and select the matching code. SDVOSB set-asides are available across all NAICS codes, giving you broad access to opportunities regardless of industry.
Search for awarded SDVOSB contracts
On the Federal Contract Tracker, enter your NAICS code and select the SDVOSB set-aside filter. This shows every SDVOSB contract that has been awarded in your industry — who won, which agency awarded it, and the dollar amount. Study the winners to understand your competitive landscape.
Check VA-specific opportunities
The Department of Veterans Affairs has its own Veterans First Contracting Program, which prioritizes SDVOSBs and VOSBs for VA contracts specifically. Search with the VA as the awarding agency to see these opportunities. VA contracts are often the largest source of SDVOSB set-aside awards.
Track agency spending patterns
Use the Spending by Agency tab to see which agencies award the most SDVOSB contracts in your NAICS code. The government-wide goal is 3% of prime contract dollars to SDVOSBs. The Trends page shows quarterly spending over time — look for agencies increasing their SDVOSB spending or falling short of their goals.
Search SDVOSB contracts now
Enter your NAICS code, select the SDVOSB filter, and see every awarded contract in your industry. Free — 10 searches per day, no registration.
Search SDVOSB contracts freeOther set-aside types
The Federal Contract Tracker supports all major set-aside types:
For socially and economically disadvantaged businesses
Businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones
Women-Owned Small Businesses
General small business set-asides
Frequently asked questions
What is an SDVOSB set-aside contract?
An SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) set-aside is a federal contract reserved exclusively for verified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. The program helps veterans with service-connected disabilities compete for government contracts. The government-wide goal is to award at least 3% of all federal prime contracting dollars to SDVOSBs.
How do I get SDVOSB verification?
Apply through the SBA's VetCert system at vetcert.sba.gov. You must provide proof of your service-connected disability rating from the VA, documentation of at least 51% ownership by the service-disabled veteran, and evidence that the veteran controls day-to-day management and long-term decision-making. The process moved from the VA to SBA on January 1, 2023.
What is the difference between SDVOSB and VOSB?
SDVOSB is for veteran-owned businesses where the veteran has a service-connected disability rating from the VA (any percentage). VOSB (Veteran-Owned Small Business) is for any veteran-owned business, regardless of disability status. SDVOSB set-asides are more common and the government has a specific 3% spending goal for SDVOSBs. Both require VetCert verification.
What are the sole-source contract limits for SDVOSBs?
Agencies can award sole-source contracts to SDVOSBs up to $4.5 million for services and $8 million for manufacturing. Sole-source means the agency awards directly to your business without competitive bidding. For competitive SDVOSB set-asides, there is no dollar limit.
What is the VA's Veterans First Contracting Program?
Veterans First is the VA's own contracting program that goes beyond the government-wide SDVOSB program. The VA is required to set aside contracts for SDVOSBs and VOSBs before considering other small business programs. This means SDVOSBs get priority at the VA even over 8(a), HUBZone, and WOSB set-asides — making VA contracts especially valuable for veteran-owned businesses.
Can I hold both SDVOSB and 8(a) certification?
Yes. SDVOSB verification and 8(a) Business Development certification are separate programs. If you qualify for both, you can bid on SDVOSB set-asides, 8(a) set-asides, and general small business set-asides — significantly expanding your opportunities. Use the Federal Contract Tracker to compare award volumes across both set-aside types in your NAICS code.