…First, a quick reminder: Self-certification, for now, is enough for SDVOSB set-asides for non-VA SDVOSB set asides. SDVOSB set asides from the VA can only go to SDVOSBs certified with the VA. But as mentioned above, the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act changes this starting January 1, 2023.
What if I’m already certified through the government?
First things first: If your SDVOSB is already certified through the CVE, you do not need to worry about SBA certification until the end of your 3-year eligibility term per the SBA’s proposed rule from July. So, all of you that have already gotten certified through the VA, just mark your calendars for when you need to renew your eligibility. Now, this is officially just a proposed rule, but we see no reason why the SBA would change its mind on this…
I can’t get my application into CVE by then! Will I lose my SDVOSB status on January 1?
Fear Not. As we have discussed before (and VA’s guidance echoes), there is going to be a grace period for self-certified SDVOSBs when the change occurs on January 1, 2023. As the guidance states:
“Because of the large number of self-certified SDVOSBs and the need to ensure an orderly transition to the new certification program, the law provides a grace period to permit self-certified SDVOSBs to continue to compete for Federal contracts. Self-certified SDVOSBs may continue to rely on their self-certified status for 1 year after the transfer date.” … Read the full article here.
