Elimination of Self-Certification for SDVOSBs
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has finalized a rule eliminating self-certification for SDVOSBs. Effective August 5, 2024, only businesses certified through the SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program will be eligible for federal SDVOSB set-aside and sole-source contracts. Additionally, starting October 1, 2024, only VetCert-certified SDVOSBs will count toward federal agencies' and prime contractors' SDVOSB participation goals. A grace period allows businesses that apply for VetCert by December 22, 2024, to continue self-certifying until the SBA makes a final decision on their application. Small Business Administration+5Home // Cooley // Global Law Firm+5Home | Holland & Knight+5Home | Holland & Knight+2Pillsbury Law+2Home // Cooley // Global Law Firm+2Home | Holland & Knight
Updates to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
On December 16, 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) adopted a final rule amending the FAR to align with the SBA's certification requirements. As of January 1, 2024, SDVOSBs must be certified by the SBA to be eligible for SDVOSB set-aside or sole-source contracts. The rule also requires SDVOSBs determined ineligible by the SBA to update their status in the System for Award Management (SAM) within two days. Taft | The Modern Law Firm+1Home // Cooley // Global Law Firm+1
Proposed DoD Veteran-Owned Small Business Contracting Preferences
In July 2024, the House of Representatives passed a bill as part of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to establish a new contracting preference program for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs). Section 861 of the bill mandates the DoD to set an annual prime contracting goal for VOSBs, allows for VOSB set-aside competitions, and permits sole-source awards under certain conditions. This initiative aims to expand contracting opportunities for VOSBs, including SDVOSBs. HSToday
GSA OASIS+ Contract Awards to SDVOSBs
The GSA has announced the first round of awards under the OASIS+ contract vehicle, with 345 SDVOSBs receiving contracts across seven domains, including Management & Advisory, Technical & Engineering, and Intelligence Services. This initiative provides substantial opportunities for SDVOSBs in various sectors. orangeslices.ai
For SDVOSBs, these developments underscore the importance of obtaining SBA VetCert certification to remain eligible for federal contracting opportunities. Staying informed about policy changes and leveraging available resources can help SDVOSBs navigate the evolving federal contracting landscape.