Executive Order 13360

In 2004, President Bush issued Executive Order 13360 in support of service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (SDVOBs). Declaring that a minimum of 3 percent of all government contracts must go to SDVOBs, this was a tremendous step toward getting service-disabled veterans better contracting and subcontracting opportunities.

The Order stated that every government Agency has to create and put into effect a plan to give more contracts to SDVOBs. Since that time, departments have put into place rulings to ensure that SDVOBs receive priority contracts.

With the concerns of veteran business owners at heart, the VA has taken some of the largest steps to comply with and exceed expectations of the Order. Efforts include:

• Working directly with in-house contracting officers to secure prime contracts for SDVOSBs

• Hosting outreach events for SDVOBs and VOSBs

• Offering incentives fees for subcontracting

• SDVOB and VOSB assistance from prime contractors to get bonds

• An online course to educate veteran entrepreneurs

Data shows that so far the plans are working. As of 2006, the VA reported that SDVOBs and VOSBs combined were receiving over 9% of all contracts – far above the 3% goal. That number has continued to grow as more businesses identify as veteran-owned.

While this is great progress, you can only get these opportunities if you are officially listed as a veteran-owned business.