Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization
Verification Assistance Briefs
Verification Assistance Briefs (VABs) are resources to assist applicants in obtaining VA Verification for the Veterans First Contracting Program. VABs are based on analysis of issues that cause the majority of verification denials and clarify rules associated with 38 CFR Part 74.
Please select a category below to access information.
Understanding Surviving Spouse Ownership Requirements
This brief defines who qualifies as a surviving spouse and discusses the requirements for a surviving spouse to hold an ownership interest in a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Download »
Created: March 2018
Understanding Community Property and Veteran Ownership
This brief defines community property and how it is used to determine Veteran ownership. Download »
Updated: January 2017 | Created: June 2016
Proving Veteran Business Owners Are Entitled to Receive 51 percent of Annual Distribution
This brief explains the verification requirement that Veteran business owners must provide evidence of entitlement to receive at least 51 percent of the annual distribution of corporation, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC) profits. Download »
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015
Proving Veteran Possesses 51 Percent Direct Ownership
This brief explains the verification requirement that Veterans must own at least 51 percent of the applicant directly. Download »
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015
Understanding Verification Requirements for Applicants Owned Through Trusts
This brief explains how an applicant can be eligible for verification if a Veteran owns the concern through a trust. Download »
Updated: January 2017 | Created: January 2013
Understanding Unconditional Ownership and Transfer Restrictions
This brief defines unconditional ownership and discusses ownership transfers by an applicant that are not considered impermissible conditions on ownership. Download »
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015
Demonstrating Control of a Limited Liability Company
This brief explains the verification requirement that Veteran business owners demonstrate control over a limited liability company (LLC). Download »
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015
Determining Board Governance and Control
This brief discusses the verification requirement concerning control of boards of directors. Download »
Updated: May 2017 | Created: November 2015
Determining Dependence on Non-Veterans or Non-Veteran Entities
This brief discusses dependent relationships with non-Veterans or non-Veteran entities that may affect a determination of eligibility for applicants. Download »
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015
Determining Full-Time Control
This brief explains the full-time control requirement when the Veteran owner has employment outside of the applicant or participant.
Download »
Updated: May 2017 | Created: March 2015
Establishing Veteran Ownership and Control After a Transfer of Ownership or Control by a Family Member
This brief explains the eligibility of an applicant for the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) Verification Program following a transfer by a non-Veteran of majority ownership or control, within two years prior to applying for verification, to an immediate family member who is a Veteran or Service-Disabled Veteran when the non-Veteran remains involved as a stockholder, officer, director, or key employee. Download »
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015
Proving Veteran Business Owners Have Necessary Managerial Experience
This brief explains the verification requirement that Veteran business owners possess the necessary managerial experience to the extent and complexity needed to run the applicant. Download »
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015
Proving Veteran Business Owner Holds Highest Officer Position
This brief explains the verification requirement that the applicant must provide current documentation that the Veteran business owner is the applicant’s highest officer. Download »
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015
Proving Veteran Business Owner is Highest Compensated Employee
This brief explains the verification requirement that a Veteran or Service-Disabled Veteran business owner must be compensated in an amount equal to or higher than any non-Veteran director, officer, or employee of the business. If a Veteran owner is not the highest compensated, the applicant must explain how the Veteran taking lower compensation benefits the concern. Download »
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015
Understanding Control of Strategic Policy and Day-to-Day Operations
This brief explains what it means for Veteran business owners to control strategic policy setting and day-to-day operations in accordance with 38 CFR Part 74. Download »
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015
Meeting the Small Business Classification as Defined by the Small Business Administration
This brief explains the verification requirement that an applicant provide documentation that it meets the classification of a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Download »
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015
Understanding Joint Venture and Mentor-Protégé Agreement Eligibility
This brief explains the criteria that make a joint venture eligible for verification and inclusion in the VetBiz Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database. Download »
Created: May 2017
Understanding an Operating Agreement and Its Amendments
This brief explains the function of the operating agreement, how it is used during the verification process, and how it is amended. Download »
Updated: January 2017 | Created: November 2015
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810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
OSDBU Call Center:
1–866–584–2344
Email: osdbu@va.gov
Hours: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (Eastern)
