Primarily, at least 51% of the company must be owned by one or more service-disabled veterans. Additionally, the management and daily operations of the business must be controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans.
This designation was created as part of federal initiatives SDVOSB healthcare products to recognize the sacrifices of military veterans injured or disabled in the line of duty by helping them reintegrate into civilian life and entrepreneurship. The Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 laid the foundation for this program, and later legislation mandated federal agencies to set aside a percentage of their contracts for SDVOSBs.
What Are SDVOSB Healthcare Products?
SDVOSB Healthcare Products include a broad spectrum of items and services supplied to federal, state, and private healthcare providers. These products can range from basic medical supplies to advanced equipment and even pharmaceuticals. Some common categories include:
Medical and surgical instruments
Durable medical equipment (DME) like hospital beds, wheelchairs, and oxygen concentrators
Diagnostic tools including thermometers, blood pressure monitors, and imaging devices
Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and gowns
Healthcare IT solutions like patient monitoring software and EHR systems
Rehabilitation and physical therapy equipment
Because of their federal status, SDVOSB suppliers often work with large institutions such as the Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals, Department of Defense medical facilities, and state health departments. These entities are mandated to give procurement preference to SDVOSBs, giving these companies an advantage in bidding for contracts.
Why SDVOSB Healthcare Suppliers Matter
SDVOSB healthcare product suppliers offer more than just business diversity—they represent reliability, dedication, and a deep understanding of the military healthcare environment. Many service-disabled veterans who run these businesses have firsthand experience with military medicine and logistics. This unique insight often translates into higher quality solutions and a more responsive supply chain.
Additionally, federal spending with SDVOSBs directly supports the economic well-being of disabled veterans. By purchasing from SDVOSBs, agencies fulfill procurement goals and simultaneously help reintegrate veterans into the economy.
Benefits for Government and Private Sector Buyers
Purchasing from SDVOSB healthcare suppliers offers several advantages:
Federal Compliance: Government buyers meet federal mandates for contracting with veteran-owned businesses.
Diversity Goals: Healthcare institutions benefit from working with diverse suppliers, meeting inclusion goals and gaining recognition for social responsibility.
Veteran Expertise: Suppliers bring knowledge of military and VA healthcare systems, which is especially useful in contexts like VA hospitals.
Agility and Responsiveness: Many SDVOSBs are smaller, more flexible, and able to respond quickly to urgent supply chain demands, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Challenges Faced by SDVOSB Healthcare Suppliers
While the SDVOSB designation opens doors, it doesn't guarantee success. These businesses still face challenges such as:
Navigating complex procurement systems
Meeting stringent regulatory and quality standards
Competing with large, established corporations
Access to capital and scalable logistics networks
However, government programs, mentoring initiatives, and partnerships with larger firms can help mitigate these hurdles.
How to Find SDVOSB Healthcare Suppliers
The U.S. government's System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and the VA’s Vendor Information Pages (VIP) are key resources for finding verified SDVOSB vendors. Many of these businesses also participate in industry trade shows, healthcare expos, and government contracting events.