CVE Certification

In order to be eligible for special SDVOSB or VOSB programs, your business status will need to be certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE) Verification process. Through on-site interviews and document reviews, the CVE decides whether or not you can receive top non-competitive contracts that only veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) can qualify.

There are some basic requirements to get verified. Qualifications and initial steps are:

1. Register with the VIP. By setting up a profile in the CVE's VIP system.

2. Fill out the VA Form 0877. It is important to fill it out completely and accurately. Missing information can delay the process, and false information can prevent you from receiving future government contracts.

3. Have documents showing at least 51% veteran- or service-disabled veteran ownership. If you own less than 51% of your business, you must get a veteran co-owner fill out his or her own VA Form 0877. Spouses of deceased veterans who had 100% service-connected disabilities can register as veterans and receive full advantage of CVE certification.

Veterans First Contracting Program

Besides being searchable to fellow VOSBs and supporters of veteran business, there are other great advantages to being CVE verified. Verified members are eligible for the Veterans First Contracting Program, which aims to eliminate bidding competition. Some ways the VA helps you directly are allowing flexible credit evaluation, creating contracting and subcontracting credit with VIP firms, and other benefits. Preference is given to SDVOSBs in all Program contract bidding followed by VOSBs.

If you would like to discuss getting assistance with CVE certification, please contact a VetUSA business consultant today at 855-4VETUSA (option 2) or complete our online form.