SDVOSB vs VOSB: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need? (2026)
SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) requires a VA service-connected disability rating and offers access to SDVOSB set-aside contracts and sole-source awards up to $5 million. VOSB (Veteran-Owned Small Business) is for any honorably discharged veteran regardless of disability status but has a smaller pool of set-aside contracts. Both are certified through SBA VetCert.
TL;DR
- SDVOSB = veteran with any service-connected disability → more contract opportunities
- VOSB = any honorably discharged veteran → fewer set-asides available
- Both certified through SBA VetCert (same application process)
- If you qualify for SDVOSB, always get SDVOSB — it includes VOSB benefits
Quick comparison table
[EXPAND] Table: SDVOSB vs VOSB on eligibility, contract opportunities, sole-source threshold, federal goal percentage, certification body.
SDVOSB: who qualifies and what you get
[EXPAND] Any service-connected disability rating. 3% federal contracting goal. Sole-source up to $5M.
VOSB: who qualifies and what you get
[EXPAND] Honorable discharge, no disability required. Smaller pool of set-asides.
Contract opportunities compared
[EXPAND] Data on relative availability of SDVOSB vs VOSB set-asides.
Which should you pursue?
[EXPAND] Decision framework. If you have any VA disability rating: always SDVOSB.
Not sure if you qualify? Check in 2 minutes free.
Free tool from Waypoint by GreyLee Services Group
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both SDVOSB and VOSB certification?
If you qualify for SDVOSB, you automatically qualify for VOSB as well. SBA VetCert will certify you for both simultaneously if you meet SDVOSB requirements.
Which has more contract opportunities — SDVOSB or VOSB?
SDVOSB has significantly more set-aside opportunities. Federal agencies have a 3% SDVOSB contracting goal, while VOSB set-asides are less common.
Do I need a minimum VA disability rating for SDVOSB?
No. Any service-connected disability rating from the VA qualifies, including 0%. The key is having a service-connected rating, not the percentage.
Related Articles
SDVOSB Certification Guide: How to Get VetCert Certified (2026)
Complete guide to SDVOSB certification through SBA VetCert. Eligibility, documents, application process, and timeline for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
How to Get VetCert Certified: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Step-by-step walkthrough of the SBA VetCert SDVOSB certification application. From SAM.gov to approval in 30 days.
About the author
John Vanderpool, MBA
Managing Partner & Founder, GreyLee Services Group LLC
John is the Founder and Managing Partner of GreyLee Services Group LLC, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. A service-disabled veteran himself, he leads the firm’s federal compliance and assessment methodology across NIST, CMMC, ISO, FedRAMP, and HIPAA, and built Waypoint with the team after navigating SAM.gov and SBA certification firsthand.
GreyLee Services Group LLC (SDVOSB) · NIST / CMMC / FedRAMP / HIPAA compliance