{"id":1588,"date":"2021-06-28T16:38:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-28T16:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/network.demandstar.com\/?p=1588"},"modified":"2022-04-06T14:54:48","modified_gmt":"2022-04-06T14:54:48","slug":"infrastructure-bill-diversity-classifications-veteran-owned-small-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/network.demandstar.com\/blogs\/infrastructure-bill-diversity-classifications-veteran-owned-small-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Diversity Classifications: Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One of the biggest stories right now is the bipartisan compromise on President Biden\u2019s Infrastructure Bill in the amount of $1.2 trillion<\/a>, which will now move on from the group of senators working on it and continue its way through the legislative process. Even though the bill is still in the works, we know that there will be funds coming down the pike and that government procurement agents will be looking to fill a variety of contracts. One of the ways that vendors can stand out is to become certified with a diversity classification. Supplier diversity programs have become more common, especially within government agencies, and the goal is to support underrepresented groups by allocating a percentage of suppliers with diverse backgrounds who the departments want to hire. One of these diversity classifications is Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Veteran Owned Small Business Program?<\/strong>
This program is offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from the office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSBDU). It provides a variety of benefits for veterans who qualify, including the opportunity to do business directly with the VA. It also offers priority bidding for contracts through other state and federal agencies, tax relief, access to better capital options, and extra support for businesses that show potential for high growth and innovation. The program also provides resources for finding VA procurement opportunities, education and training for how business with the VA works, connections to key contacts to build business partnerships and secure contracts, and other resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How do you qualify for the Veteran Owned Small Business <\/strong>Program?<\/strong>
Veterans who own small businesses and want to become certified VOSB need to apply and qualify for the program. Qualifications listed on the program webpage<\/a> include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n