At least 51% of the company must be owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran. The veteran must also manage the day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions for the company. When it comes to medical distribution, these businesses often supply a wide range of products such as surgical instruments, personal protective equipment (PPE), diagnostic tools, pharmaceuticals, and durable medical equipment.
One of the primary advantages of SDVOSB medical distributor being an SDVOSB medical distributor is access to set-aside contracts with the federal government. Through programs like the Veterans First Contracting Program and other federal procurement initiatives, SDVOSBs are given preference when bidding on government contracts. This not only supports veteran entrepreneurs but also ensures that government medical facilities can source supplies from trusted, reliable vendors with military experience and values.
SDVOSB medical distributors are uniquely positioned to understand and meet the needs of veteran healthcare systems. Many of these businesses were founded by veterans who have firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by service members and veterans in the healthcare system. As a result, they bring a mission-driven approach to their operations, emphasizing quality, compliance, and customer service.
In addition to serving government clients, many SDVOSB medical distributors also provide products to private hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers. They often partner with manufacturers and larger distributors to ensure access to a broad inventory of medical goods. These partnerships help them remain competitive in a rapidly changing medical supply market.
In recent years, the importance of SDVOSB medical distributors has grown, particularly during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Their ability to quickly source and distribute critical supplies has demonstrated the strategic value of having veteran-owned businesses involved in national healthcare logistics.