SBA’s rule for veteran certs

      The Small Business Administration has proposed a rule on how it will certify small businesses owned by veterans (VOSBs) and service-disabled veterans (SDVOSBs) for federal set-aside contracts.

      The deadline for comments on the proposed rule is Aug. 5.

      Currently, the Veterans Affairs Dept. handles certifications of VOSBs and SDVOSBs seeking VA contracts. For non-VA contracts, SDVOSBs are allowed to self-certify.

      Under the national defense authorization bill for fiscal 2021, Congress ordered SBA to set up a governmentwide certification program for SDVOSBs and VOSBs. VA’s database of verified firms will transfer to SBA, which will own and maintain the database, according to an SBA fact sheet. The VA will continue to determine veteran status and maintain records. SBA will rely on VA for that information.

      SBA’s new authority for veteran certifications begins Jan. 1, 2023.

      SBA said it is aiming for a seamless transfer of veteran certifications by adopting most of VA’s existing regulations, including those on application guidelines, continuing eligibility, program examinations and program exit.

      Other features of the proposed rule include:

• Current self-certified SDVOSBs will receive a grace period to remain eligible for set-asides for a year. Their applications for certification must be filed by Dec. 31, 2023 to remain eligible;
• VOSBs and SDVOSBs certified by VA's Center for Verification and Evaluation prior to Jan. 1, 2023 will continue to be certified for the remainder of the 3-year eligibility term; and
• SBA will provide expedited application review to veterans who are small business owners in SBA's 8(a) Business Development program or Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) program.

More information:
Proposed rule: https://bit.ly/3uEdNl6
Fact sheet: https://bit.ly/3asbnyY

(URLs in Set-Aside Alert have been shortened by the bit.ly URL shortener)

Small biz scorecard for FY2021

Why HUBZone awards never reach 3% goal

DUNS-to-UEI transition snafus

SBA’s rule for veteran certs

Displaced workers rule pending

House NDAA’s small biz items

Plastic waste initiative

Final rule on past perf rating

Column: Transitioning DUNS to UEI -- Elevating Government Contract Service Tickets and Sharing Your Questions

Washington Insider:

Coronavirus Update