These businesses play a critical role in supporting the healthcare needs of veterans while promoting economic opportunities for disabled veteran entrepreneurs.
The SDVOSB designation was established to SDVOSB VA medical supplier honor the contributions and sacrifices of military veterans who sustained service-connected disabilities. Through the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 and subsequent legislation like the VA's Vets First Contracting Program, the U.S. government set a goal to award a significant percentage of federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs. To qualify:
The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans.
The service-disabled veteran(s) must manage day-to-day operations and hold the highest officer position.
The disability must be service-connected, as verified by the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense.
The Role of SDVOSB in VA Medical Supply
VA medical suppliers provide everything from surgical instruments, personal protective equipment (PPE), pharmaceuticals, diagnostic equipment, mobility aids, and hospital furniture, to software solutions for patient management. An SDVOSB VA medical supplier specifically caters to VA hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities, aligning with the VA's commitment to serve veterans with the best available care and equipment.
These suppliers are not just vendors; they are often veteran-owned enterprises that deeply understand the VA's mission and the unique medical needs of the veteran population. Their lived experience brings an added layer of value and trustworthiness to their services.
Certification and Verification Process
To officially qualify as an SDVOSB for VA contracting opportunities, a business must undergo a verification process through the VA's Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE), now managed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as of January 2023. This verification ensures that only eligible businesses can compete for SDVOSB set-aside contracts.
The SBA reviews documents related to ownership, management control, and veteran status. Once approved, the company is listed in the SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) database. This enables the business to bid on VA-specific contracts and participate in set-aside and sole-source opportunities.
Benefits to the VA and Veterans
Working with SDVOSB medical suppliers offers multiple benefits:
Supports Veterans' Economic Wellbeing: By contracting with SDVOSBs, the VA directly supports veteran entrepreneurship, helping them reintegrate into civilian life and build sustainable livelihoods.
Improved Cultural Competency: Veteran-owned businesses often have better insight into the healthcare challenges faced by former service members, potentially leading to more tailored and empathetic product solutions.
Meeting Procurement Goals: The VA is mandated to prioritize SDVOSBs under the “Vets First” program, ahead of other small business classifications, to meet its federal procurement goals.