If you're a service-disabled veteran running or starting a business, you've likely heard about the GSA Schedule, HUBZone Certification, and the importance of both federal and state SDVOSB certifications. These programs open doors to government contracts and competitive advantages—but getting certified can be a complex, time-consuming process.
One major decision many SDVOSBs face: Should I do this myself or hire a company to help?
This article will walk you through the process for each certification, what’s involved, and the pros and cons of hiring professional help versus handling it in-house.
The GSA Schedule (or GSA MAS – Multiple Award Schedule) is a pre-approved contract vehicle that lets government agencies buy from you directly without going through full open bidding.
BUT: The application is highly detailed, requires price justifications, past performance proof, and documented systems.
The Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program provides a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions.
You’ll be researching legal requirements, gathering documents, formatting packages, uploading to government portals, and following up with contracting officials. It’s doable—but it’s a serious time investment.
If you're tech-savvy, patient, and willing to learn, you can absolutely do most of these certifications yourself—especially your SBA VetCert and state-level SDVOSB status.
However, for GSA Schedule applications, HUBZone mapping, or if you're juggling multiple programs while running your business, hiring expert help can save you serious time and risk.
Either way—don’t wait. The sooner you’re certified, the sooner you can compete.
Need recommendations for trusted consultants or help reviewing your current progress? Post in the SDVOSB Network — we’ve got your six.
One major decision many SDVOSBs face: Should I do this myself or hire a company to help?
This article will walk you through the process for each certification, what’s involved, and the pros and cons of hiring professional help versus handling it in-house.
What Is the GSA Schedule?
The GSA Schedule (or GSA MAS – Multiple Award Schedule) is a pre-approved contract vehicle that lets government agencies buy from you directly without going through full open bidding.- Managed by the General Services Administration (GSA)
- Applies to products and services across hundreds of categories
- Contracts often last 5 years, renewable for up to 20 years
BUT: The application is highly detailed, requires price justifications, past performance proof, and documented systems.
What Is HUBZone Certification?
The Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program provides a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions.Eligibility Includes:
- Business located in a designated HUBZone (like where your principal office is)
- At least 35% of your employees live in a HUBZone
- Must be a small business under SBA size standards
- Access to set-aside and sole-source contracts
- Competitive edge on certain bids
- Requires mapping and documentation to prove HUBZone residency
- Must update employee residence status continually
What Are Federal & State SDVOSB Certifications?
Federal (VetCert via SBA):
- Certifies you as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business eligible for set-aside federal contracts
- Application requires DD-214, disability rating, proof of control/ownership, and corporate documents
- Takes ~2–3 months for approval
State-Level SDVOSB Programs:
- Many states have their own SDVOSB certification and contracting benefits
- Separate from federal VetCert (you must apply individually per state)
- Examples: NYS SDVOB Program, California DVBE, etc.
The Process If You Do It Yourself
| Certification | Time Commitment | Complexity | Risk of Rejection |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSA Schedule | 40–100+ hours | Very High | Moderate–High |
| HUBZone | 20–40 hours | High | Moderate |
| VetCert (SBA) | 10–25 hours | Moderate | Moderate |
| State SDVOSB | 5–20 hours each | Moderate | Varies by state |
Hiring a Professional Certification Firm: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Done-for-you: Experts manage the paperwork, applications, and follow-ups
- Experience: They know what documentation works, how to format it, and what each agency expects
- Faster Approvals: Fewer mistakes can mean quicker approvals
- Strategic Guidance: Many firms help with post-certification strategy, not just paperwork
Cons
- Cost: Can range from $2,500–$10,000+ depending on the scope (some firms offer bundles)
- Not All Firms Are Equal: Some charge high fees and do the bare minimum
- Less Personal Learning: You miss out on learning the systems yourself
When It Makes Sense to Hire Help
- You have limited time and need to stay focused on running the business
- You're dealing with multiple certifications at once
- You’ve already had an application denied or delayed
- You want help mapping out a government contracting strategy
- You’re pursuing GSA, which is the most complex
How to Choose the Right Help
- Look for firms that specialize in veteran-owned businesses
- Ask for examples of businesses they’ve helped
- Make sure they include post-certification guidance (GSA Advantage setup, bid strategy)
- Read real reviews, not just testimonials
- Ensure the contract includes support until approval, not just document submission
Final Recommendation
If you're tech-savvy, patient, and willing to learn, you can absolutely do most of these certifications yourself—especially your SBA VetCert and state-level SDVOSB status.However, for GSA Schedule applications, HUBZone mapping, or if you're juggling multiple programs while running your business, hiring expert help can save you serious time and risk.
Either way—don’t wait. The sooner you’re certified, the sooner you can compete.
Need recommendations for trusted consultants or help reviewing your current progress? Post in the SDVOSB Network — we’ve got your six.