Small businesses owned by veterans should verify their status at VA’s VetBiz Vendor Information Pages, www.vetbiz.gov/vip/vip.htm.

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy has told all agencies to use the site as their first source for finding veteran-owned businesses.

VA culled more than 40,000 companies registered on SBA’s Pro-Net, the Defense Department’s Central Contractor Registration, the California disabled veteran business enterprise database and information provided by VA contracting offices. But so far, agency officials say they have only been able to verify that about 3,000 of the firms qualify for federal contracting preferences. To qualify, a company must be at least 51% owned by a veteran.

Individual companies may register or update their information. Businesses must use their DUNS numbers and NAICS codes when registering. There is no charge for a listing.

VA says the listings are also open to buyers outside the federal government who want to “Buy Veteran.”