Government Small Business Programs
SDVOSB vs. VOSB: Understanding Government Small Business Programs
TITAN University recently earned Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) status from the Department of Veterans Affairs. As a veteran business owner, you can gain significant benefits by applying for either Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) or SDVOSB status. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards contracts solely to veteran-owned businesses, creating a more targeted and competitive environment.
Why Veteran-Owned Businesses Should Engage in Government Small Business Programs
Government agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), and General Services Administration (GSA) actively seek veteran-owned businesses for their contracts. These agencies set aside funds in many Requests for Proposals (RFPs) specifically for veteran-owned businesses. This approach drives the growth and success of small, veteran-owned businesses, offering them valuable opportunities to thrive. For more details on how these programs work, check out the SBA’s official website.
Challenges and Exploits within Government Small Business Programs
Despite the program’s overall success, some companies exploit it for profit. Large businesses often team up with small businesses to benefit from set-asides, which can result in funds primarily benefiting the larger partner. This exploitation can lead to ineffective use of government funds that could have been more efficiently awarded directly to larger businesses. Learn more about these challenges from this article on small business fraud.
Subcontracting Plans and Government Small Business Programs
When projects are too large for small businesses to handle alone, the government awards contracts to larger contractors with more resources. However, the federal government requires these large contractors to create Subcontracting Plans and Small Business Participation Plans. These plans ensure that part of the contract value goes to small businesses. By joining the SBA’s small business programs, your business can tap into a wide range of projects and opportunities. For more details, visit SBA’s Subcontracting Assistance.
