SDVOB Certification Overview
Established under Article 3 of the Veterans’ Services law helps eligible SDVOBs compete for and win New York State contracts. Administered by the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development, the program works to increase SDVOB participation in state procurement and strengthen their role in New York’s economy.
The state has a 6% participation goal for SDVOBs on state contracts. To qualify, a business must be certified by the Division and meet these requirements:
- At least 51% owned by one or more veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more.
- The qualifying veteran(s) must control day-to-day business decisions.
- Must meet New York’s definition of a small business.
- Must have a significant business presence in New York State.
- For more information, visit the Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development.
- Visit the SDVOB Directory
Useful information
Any business may compete for any MTA Headquarters or agency contract, either as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor, whether or not it is certified as an MBE, WBE, DBE, or SDVOB. However, if a firm is seeking to perform work on a contract that includes goals for MBE or WBE participation, it must be certified by Empire State Development in order for the firm’s participation to be counted towards goal attainment.
If a firm is seeking to perform work on a contract as a DBE, it must first obtain DBE certification from a certifying partner in the New York State Unified Certification Program (NYSUCP). If a firm is seeking to perform work on a contract as an SDVOB, it must first obtain certification from the New York State Office of General Services, Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development.
The Division of Contract Compliance reviews contracts to determine whether they present opportunities for M/WBEs, DBEs, or SDVOBs. Based upon the funding source of contracts and the applicable federal regulation or New York State law, M/WBE, DBE, or SDVOB participation goals may be established on MTA contracts. Once M/WBE, DBE, or SDVOB contract goals have been established, only certified M/WBE, DBE, or SDVOB firms may be used to meet the M/WBE, DBE, or SDVOB participation goals.
M/WBE, DBE, or SDVOB certification status provides your business with the opportunity to be listed in an electronic directory of certified firms, used by agencies and contractors to identify firms for participation on contracts. Being a certified M/WBE, DBE, or SDVOB firm may also open the door to opportunities for growing your business by making it easier for you to market your firm to MTA agencies or other government entities throughout New York State.
- If your firm is certified as a DBE by the MTA or another Certifying Partner in the NYSUCP your DBE certification will be recognized and accepted by all agencies in New York State that require DBE certification. Additionally, your firm will be listed in the NYSUCP electronic directory.
- If your firm is certified as an MBE or WBE by Empire State Development your firm's M/WBE certification will be listed in the Directory of Certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises.
- Certified SDVOB firms can be located at the New York State Office of General Services, Division of Service-Disabled Veterans' Business Development.
The Governor and Legislature of the State of New York have issued a mandate to provide greater opportunity for participation by M/WBEs and SDVOBs in public contracting. Securing certification provides business owners an advantage when marketing goods and/or services to state agencies and authorities who are charged with meeting statewide goals.