1. Check the set-aside code first
Every notice on SAM.gov lists a set-aside type. For SDVOSBs, two matter most:
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
SDVOSBC | SDVOSB set-aside. Only certified SDVOSBs can compete. You compete against other SDVOSBs, not the whole market. |
SDVOSBS | SDVOSB sole source. The agency intends to award to one SDVOSB without competition. These often name the intended awardee, so read them to learn who is winning what, not to bid. |
SDVOSB set-asides now require certification through SBA's VetCert program. Self-certification no longer qualifies you. Make sure your certification is active before you spend time on a bid.
2. Know what kind of notice it is
| Notice type | What to do |
|---|---|
| Sources Sought / RFI | The agency is doing market research. Answer it if it fits. A strong response can be the reason an agency decides to set the work aside for SDVOSBs at all. |
| Presolicitation | A solicitation is coming. Start reading, line up teaming partners and ask questions now. |
| Solicitation / Combined Synopsis-Solicitation | This is the one you bid on. Note the deadline and read every attachment. |
| Special Notice | Industry days, draft documents and other announcements. Worth a skim. |
| Award Notice | Who won and for how much. Use these to research competitors and pricing. |
3. Read these fields before anything else
- Response deadline and time zone. Late proposals are almost never accepted.
- NAICS code. It sets the size standard. You must be small under that code to bid.
- Place of performance. Remote, on-site, or somewhere you can't staff?
- Attachments. The real requirements live in the SOW or PWS, the pricing sheet and the instructions. The description on the page is often one paragraph.
- Amendments. They can change the deadline, scope or questions and answers. Always check for the latest version.
- Points of contact. Questions usually have their own, earlier deadline.
4. Look for deal-breakers
These sink more bids than price does:
- Facility or personnel security clearances you don't have
- Bonding requirements (common on construction)
- Licenses, certifications or key personnel you can't provide by the deadline
- Full-time on-site staffing far from where you operate
- Scope you would have to subcontract heavily (see the next section)
5. Mind the limitations on subcontracting
If you win an SDVOSB set-aside as the prime, you have to do a real share of the work yourself. For services contracts, you can't pay more than 50% of the amount the government pays you to subcontractors that aren't SDVOSBs. Other rules apply to supplies and construction. Read the clause in the solicitation and plan your teaming around it.
The five-minute bid/no-bid check
- Is the set-aside SDVOSB, and is my VetCert certification active?
- Am I small under this NAICS code?
- Can I perform it where it needs to be performed?
- Do I have any deal-breakers from step 4?
- Can I write a strong response before the deadline?
Five yeses: open the attachments and start reading. Any no: pass, or look for a teaming partner who covers the gap.
Let Brain do the first pass
SDVOSB Brain runs this check on every new SDVOSB notice each morning and scores it against your capability statement. Join early access, or browse today's open opportunities.