“U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION“
“Small business set aside contracting programs and veteran-owned business acquisition of donated GSA government surplus property are two ways the federal government supports entrepreneurs.”
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“Small and disadvantaged businesses
The federal government tries to award a significant percentage of all federal government contracting dollars to small businesses. In addition, the federal government tries to award a certain percentage to businesses in the following categories.
Women-owned small businesses
Minority-owned businesses
Service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses
HUBZone program participants
The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development program helps eligible socially and economically disadvantaged individuals grow their businesses through one-on-one counseling, training workshops, matchmaking opportunities with federal buyers, and other management and technical guidance.
“Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
program
Program benefits
The federal government aims to award at least three percent of all federal contracting dollars to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses each year.
The government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business program.
Joining the disabled veterans’ business program makes your business eligible to compete for the program’s set-aside contracts. You can still compete for contract awards under other socio-economic programs you qualify for.
Program qualifications
To qualify for the disabled veterans’ business program, your business must:
Be a small business
Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
Have one or more service-disabled veterans manage day-to-day operations and also make long-term decisions
Eligible veterans must have a service-connected disability
You can view the full eligibility requirements in Title 13 Part 125 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Represent yourself as a disabled veteran-owned business
You can self-represent your business to the federal government as being owned by a service-disabled veteran. Simply update the socio-economic status section of your business profile at SAM.gov.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, which awards a large amount of contracts to veterans, sets aside contracts for veterans through their Veterans First Contracting Program. Their program is not the same as SBA’s program. To get access to set-aside Veterans Affairs contracts, your business must be verified through the Vets First Verification Program.
Surplus Personal Property for Veteran-Owned Small Business programs
Program background
Veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB) can access federally owned personal property no longer in use through the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program.
GSA oversees the reuse and donation of federal personal property. It also:
Manages GSAXcess.gov
Allocates property to the states for donation
Reviews State Agency for Surplus Property (SASP) operations
SASP manages surplus property disbursement, including:
Verification of eligibility
Program compliance
Fee collection
Recordkeeping
Dispute resolution (in accordance with respective states’ operating plans)
Eligibility requirements
VOSBs may get federal surplus property from the SASP in the state where the property will be primarily located and used. You must agree in writing that your VOSB:
Is located and operated within the state
Is unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more eligible veterans, service-disabled veterans, or surviving spouses
Has registered and is in “verified” status in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) VETS First Verification Program database
Will use the property in the normal conduct of its business activities (personal or non-business use is prohibited)
Will not sell, transfer, loan, lease, encumber or otherwise dispose of the property during the period of restriction unless it has received express written authorization from SASP, GSA, and SBA
Will get permission from the donating SASP before permanently removing the property from the state
Will use the property as intended within one year of receipt
Will maintain its VOSB eligibility with VA and SASP for the duration of the applicable federal period of restriction for donated property
Will give SBA, GSA, and/or SASP access to inspect the property and all pertinent records
You must also state in writing that if your VOSB violates any of the requirements agreed to, it must return the property to the donating SASP at your expense.
Additionally, if you sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of acquired surplus property in violation of the agreement covering sale and disposal, you will be liable to the federal government for the fair market value (as determined by GSA or the donating SASP) or the property’s sale price, whichever is greater.
Review the full eligibility requirements at ecfr.gov.
Resources
Contact the SASP in the state where your VOSB is headquartered for more details on program requirements and eligibility.
Learn more about GSA’s Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program.
Need help?
Office of Veterans Business Development 409 Third St. SW, Suite 5700 Washington, DC 20416 202-205-6773″
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