Federal small-business programs 6
Certifications run by the U.S. Small Business Administration. They unlock set-asides and sole-source awards on federal contracts. Apply through SBA's certification portal; SBA charges no application fee.
Status: A new rule took effect Sept 10, 2026: individually owned applicants must now show personal social disadvantage (no presumption by race). SBA has been auditing participants since December 2025 and moved to suspend or terminate several hundred firms. Entity-owned firms (tribes, ANCs, NHOs, CDCs) follow separate rules.
- Who can get it
- Small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Each disadvantaged owner: personal net worth $850,000 or less (retirement accounts excluded), adjusted gross income $400,000 or less, total assets $6.5M or less. Usually two years in business. One-time participation.
- What it is for
- Up to 9 years in the program (4 developmental, 5 transitional). Unlocks 8(a) set-asides, sole-source awards up to $5.5M ($8.5M for manufacturing), mentoring and business development help. 8(a) firms also count as Small Disadvantaged Businesses.
- Who values it
- Federal agencies, which count 8(a) awards toward their small disadvantaged business goal; prime contractors with subcontracting plans.
- Cost
- No SBA application fee. Be wary of paid services offering to 'get you certified'.
- Who can get it
- WOSB: small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens, with women managing day-to-day operations. EDWOSB adds, for each woman owner: personal net worth under $850,000 (retirement excluded), adjusted gross income $400,000 or less (3-year average), personal assets $6.5M or less.
- What it is for
- Federal set-asides in industries where women-owned firms are underrepresented; some set-asides are EDWOSB-only. Program examination every 3 years.
- Who values it
- Federal agencies, which have a 5% government-wide WOSB goal.
- Cost
- Free through SBA. Four SBA-approved third-party certifiers (WBENC, USWCC, NWBOC and the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce) may charge their own fees; the certificate must still be uploaded to SBA.
- Who can get it
- Small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens (or by a CDC, agricultural co-op, ANC, NHO or tribe), with the principal office in a HUBZone and at least 35% of employees living in a HUBZone. Recertify every 3 years.
- What it is for
- HUBZone set-asides, sole-source awards and a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competition.
- Who values it
- Federal agencies, which have a 3% government-wide HUBZone goal.
- Cost
- No SBA application fee.
- Who can get it
- Small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by veterans. For SDVOSB, owners need a VA service-connected disability rating. SBA has certified since January 2023; the VA still confirms veteran and disability status.
- What it is for
- VA's Veterans First program gives certified SDVOSBs, then VOSBs, first priority for VA set-asides and sole-source awards. Government-wide SDVOSB set-asides. Certification is also required for subcontracting credit.
- Who values it
- The Department of Veterans Affairs most of all; every federal agency (5% SDVOSB goal); prime contractors.
- Cost
- No SBA application fee.
- Who can get it
- Firms meeting the 8(a) ownership and disadvantage criteria (including the 2026 social-disadvantage test). It is a self-representation in your SAM registration, not an SBA certification, and can be protested.
- What it is for
- Counts toward agencies' 5% SDB goal and primes' subcontracting plans.
- Who values it
- Federal agencies and large prime contractors with subcontracting plans.
- Cost
- Free; part of SAM registration.
- Who can get it
- Qualified nonprofit agencies where at least 75% of direct labor hours are performed by people who are blind or have significant disabilities, working through NIB or SourceAmerica. Not open to for-profit businesses.
- What it is for
- Products and services on the AbilityOne Procurement List become a mandatory source for federal buyers.
- Who values it
- All federal agencies.
- Cost
- No published application fee; participation runs through the central nonprofit agencies.
State, local and transportation programs 3
States, cities, counties, transit agencies and airports run their own certifications for their own contracts. A federal certification usually does not carry over, and several programs changed in 2025–2026, so check the agency you want to sell to.
Status: DOT's final rule of Sept 25, 2026 ended race and sex presumptions. Every owner now submits an individual narrative of disadvantage, and every existing DBE is being reevaluated (deadline about Dec 24, 2026, extendable). Firms that do not respond are disqualified.
- Who can get it
- Small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by individuals who show social and economic disadvantage. Personal net worth cap $2,047,000 (retirement excluded).
- What it is for
- Counts toward DBE goals on federally funded highway, transit and airport contracts; ACDBE covers airport concessions.
- Who values it
- State DOTs, transit agencies, airports and their prime contractors.
- Cost
- Usually free; check with your state's certification program.
Status: Several programs changed in 2025–2026. Texas's HUB program, for example, now covers only service-disabled veterans (VetHUB), and that change is in court.
- Who can get it
- Rules vary by program: typically 51% ownership and control by minority, women, veteran or disabled owners, or a small-business size test, often with a local office requirement.
- What it is for
- Participation goals, set-asides and subcontracting credit on that government's own contracts.
- Who values it
- The certifying government and primes bidding its work. Federal certifications usually do not satisfy state or local programs, and vice versa.
- Cost
- Usually free (Maryland, for example, states its MBE certification is free). Check each program.
- Who can get it
- Any business that wants to bid on that state's contracts.
- What it is for
- A vendor record, bid alerts by commodity code, and the ability to submit bids and be paid. Not a certification, but usually required before award.
- Who values it
- State agencies, universities and many cities and counties that use the state system.
- Cost
- Usually free; a few third-party bid-notification services charge, which official registration does not require.
Supplier-diversity certifications (private) 8
Issued by national nonprofit councils and used mainly by corporations' supplier-diversity programs. Fees usually scale with revenue. Since 2025 several large companies have scaled back or renamed supplier-diversity programs, so ask target buyers whether they still use a certification before paying for it.
- Who can get it
- For-profit businesses at least 51% owned, controlled, operated and managed by women who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Document review and a site visit.
- What it is for
- Recognition by corporate supplier-diversity programs. WBENC can also issue SBA's WOSB certification at no extra charge during the WBE process.
- Who values it
- Large corporations with supplier-diversity programs; some public agencies.
- Cost
- Non-refundable fee by gross revenue: $350 (under $1M), $500 ($1–5M), $750 ($5–10M), $1,000 ($10–50M), $1,250 ($50M+). Renew yearly.
- Who can get it
- For-profit businesses at least 51% owned, controlled and operated by U.S. citizens who are Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic or Native American; a minority owner must be President or CEO.
- What it is for
- Recognition by corporate supplier-diversity programs and introductions to corporate buyers.
- Who values it
- Large corporations, especially NMSDC corporate members.
- Cost
- From $270 (under $1M revenue) to $1,700 (over $50M), set by the regional council; renew yearly. Target processing time 45 business days.
- Who can get it
- For-profit businesses at least 51% owned, operated, managed and controlled by LGBT people who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, independent of non-LGBT businesses. Includes a site visit.
- What it is for
- Recognition by corporate supplier-diversity programs and some public agencies that include LGBT-owned businesses.
- Who values it
- Corporations with LGBT-inclusive supplier programs; a few state and city programs.
- Cost
- About $899 to certify and $499 to recertify, waived with membership in an NGLCC affiliate chamber (dues separate). Confirm on NGLCC's site.
Disability:IN
Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE, V-DOBE, SDV-DOBE)
- Who can get it
- For-profit businesses at least 51% owned, operated, managed and controlled by people with disabilities. V-DOBE: veteran owner with a disability not from service. SDV-DOBE: service-connected disability.
- What it is for
- Recognition by corporate supplier-diversity programs.
- Who values it
- Corporations with disability-inclusive supplier programs.
- Cost
- $300 application fee; valid 3 years.
- Who can get it
- Businesses at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by U.S. veterans (SDVBE for service-disabled veterans). Brokers, agents, some franchises and nonprofits do not qualify.
- What it is for
- Recognition by private-sector buyers. Not connected to SBA's VetCert, and federal buyers do not require it.
- Who values it
- NaVOBA's corporate members and other private buyers.
- Cost
- By revenue: $350 (under $1M) up to $2,000 ($50M+); valid 3 years. About 90 days to process.
- Who can get it
- Businesses at least 51% owned, controlled and operated by Asian Americans and/or other minorities who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
- What it is for
- Introductions to corporate and government buyers.
- Who values it
- Corporations that recognize USPAACC certification.
- Cost
- Not posted publicly; contact USPAACC for current fees.
- Who can get it
- Women-owned businesses meeting SBA WOSB or EDWOSB rules.
- What it is for
- An SBA-approved third-party route to WOSB/EDWOSB, plus USWCC's own national women-owned certifications.
- Who values it
- Federal agencies (once uploaded to SBA) and buyers that accept USWCC.
- Cost
- $275 for members, $350 for non-members, non-refundable. 30–45 business days. (SBA's own WOSB process is free.)
- Who can get it
- Women-owned businesses; NWBOC also certifies veteran- and minority-owned firms.
- What it is for
- WBE recognition, plus an SBA-approved third-party route to WOSB/EDWOSB.
- Who values it
- Corporations and government bodies that accept NWBOC; federal agencies once the WOSB certificate is uploaded to SBA.
- Cost
- Not posted publicly; contact NWBOC.
Quality, cybersecurity and security clearances 5
Company-level credentials that solicitations ask for, especially in defense, technology and manufacturing.
- Who can get it
- Any organization with a documented quality management system that passes an audit by an accredited certification body. ISO itself does not certify.
- What it is for
- Shows a controlled, audited quality system; sometimes required in solicitations.
- Who values it
- Prime contractors, defense and aerospace supply chains, manufacturers.
- Cost
- Varies with company size, sites and certification body; get several quotes. Surveillance audits each year.
Status: Phase 1 began Nov 10, 2025. In July 2026 DoD suspended Phase II and opened a review; Phase 1 self-assessments and existing cybersecurity rules (DFARS 252.204-7012, NIST SP 800-171) still apply. Check the solicitation.
- Who can get it
- Defense contractors and subcontractors whose contracts include the CMMC clause. Level 1: federal contract information, annual self-assessment. Level 2: controlled unclassified information (110 NIST 800-171 controls), self-assessment or third-party assessment. Level 3: government assessment.
- What it is for
- Eligibility for DoD contracts that handle federal contract information or CUI.
- Who values it
- The Department of Defense and its prime contractors.
- Cost
- Level 1 self-assessment has no fee. Third-party assessments are priced by the assessor; DoD's 2024 rule estimated about $105,000 over three years for a small business at Level 2, not counting the cost of becoming compliant.
Status: FedRAMP is moving to its 2026 rules, which rename authorization 'certification' and add the FedRAMP 20x path that does not need an agency sponsor.
- Who can get it
- Cloud service providers selling cloud services to federal agencies.
- What it is for
- Lets agencies use your cloud product for federal data.
- Who values it
- Federal agencies buying cloud software and services.
- Cost
- No government fee, but the provider pays for the independent assessment and the security work; FedRAMP publishes no price.
- Who can get it
- Only companies sponsored by a government agency or a cleared contractor for a specific classified need. You cannot apply on your own.
- What it is for
- Performing classified contracts.
- Who values it
- DoD, the intelligence community and cleared prime contractors.
- Cost
- The government pays for processing; the company pays for its own security program under NISPOM.
- Who can get it
- Businesses that submit an offer through GSA eOffer and are awarded a schedule contract. It is a contract vehicle, not a certification.
- What it is for
- Pre-negotiated pricing that any federal agency (and some state and local buyers) can order against.
- Who values it
- Federal agencies that buy through GSA Advantage and eBuy.
- Cost
- No application fee and GSA's training is free; awardees pay a 0.75% Industrial Funding Fee built into their prices. The real cost is preparing the offer.
Professional and trade credentials 6
Credentials held by people on your team. Solicitations often require them for key personnel or for the work itself.
- Who can get it
- People with 35 hours of project management education plus 36 months leading projects (with a 4-year degree) or 60 months (without).
- What it is for
- Proof of project management skill; often requested for program and project managers.
- Who values it
- Federal program offices and prime contractors.
- Cost
- Exam about $445 for PMI members and $675 for non-members (prices raised in 2026; confirm with PMI).
- Who can get it
- Anyone who passes the exam; no prerequisites.
- What it is for
- Baseline cybersecurity credential approved under DoD 8140 for many cyber work roles.
- Who values it
- DoD and contractors staffing cybersecurity and IT positions.
- Cost
- About $404–$425 per exam voucher; check CompTIA for the current price.
Status: The CFCM exam is on hold until the rewritten FAR is fully codified.
- Who can get it
- Contract managers meeting NCMA's education and experience requirements (CPCM also needs 120 continuing-education hours). Membership not required.
- What it is for
- Shows contract management expertise.
- Who values it
- Primes, contracting offices and teaming partners.
- Cost
- CPCM: application $225 (members) or $425 (non-members), plus a $135 exam.
OSHA-authorized trainers
OSHA Outreach 10-hour and 30-hour cards
- Who can get it
- Workers (10-hour, entry level) and supervisors or safety leads (30-hour) in construction or general industry.
- What it is for
- Safety awareness training. OSHA notes the card is not a license or certification, but many contracts and some states require it.
- Who values it
- Construction buyers, general contractors and agencies with jobsite safety rules.
- Cost
- Set by each authorized trainer.
- Who can get it
- Firms paid to disturb painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities, and their certified renovators.
- What it is for
- Required by law for that work; needed for housing and facility renovation contracts.
- Who values it
- Housing authorities, schools and agencies renovating older buildings.
- Cost
- Firm certification $300 (EPA-run states), valid 5 years. Renovator course from an accredited trainer averages about $186.
- Who can get it
- Technicians who service or dispose of equipment containing refrigerant (Types I, II, III or Universal).
- What it is for
- Required by law for HVAC/R work and to buy regulated refrigerants.
- Who values it
- Facility maintenance and HVAC contracts.
- Cost
- Set by the testing organization.
Licenses, registrations and bonding 6
What you need to operate legally and to be paid. Requirements depend on the work and where it is performed.
- Who can get it
- Any business that wants to bid on federal contracts as a prime or receive federal awards.
- What it is for
- Required at offer and award for most federal contracts; assigns your Unique Entity ID and leads to a CAGE code. Renew every 365 days.
- Who values it
- Every federal agency; many primes and some state buyers ask for a UEI.
- Cost
- Free. Paid 'registration services' are not required.
- Who can get it
- Most businesses need a local business license; contractors, trades and regulated professions also need state licenses.
- What it is for
- Operating legally where you are based and where the work is done.
- Who values it
- Every public buyer; solicitations often ask for license numbers.
- Cost
- Varies by state, locality and trade.
- Who can get it
- Businesses selling taxable goods or services in states with sales tax.
- What it is for
- Collecting sales tax and buying inventory for resale without paying tax.
- Who values it
- Suppliers and resellers; government buyers check tax status on product sales.
- Cost
- Free in many states; some charge a small fee or deposit.
- Who can get it
- Interstate commercial carriers meeting weight, passenger or hazardous-materials thresholds; for-hire carriers also need operating authority.
- What it is for
- Hauling and delivery contracts.
- Who values it
- Agencies and primes buying freight, delivery or moving services.
- Cost
- USDOT number free; operating authority $300 per type. Insurance, process-agent filing and UCR registration are extra.
- Who can get it
- U.S. manufacturers, exporters and brokers of defense articles or services, even if they never export.
- What it is for
- Legally making or handling defense articles on the U.S. Munitions List.
- Who values it
- DoD primes and defense supply chains.
- Cost
- From $3,000 a year (Tier 1, new registrants); higher tiers for firms with more license approvals.
- Who can get it
- Small businesses that cannot get bonded on reasonable terms on their own.
- What it is for
- Bid, payment and performance bonds on contracts up to $9M (non-federal) or $14M (federal), which construction and service contracts often require.
- Who values it
- Agencies and owners that require bonds; general contractors.
- Cost
- No SBA fee on bid bonds; 0.6% of the contract price for payment and performance bond guarantees, plus the surety's premium.
Nothing matches. Try another word or clear the filters.
Not sure where to start?Most new contractors begin with SAM registration and the free SBA certifications they qualify for, then add buyer-specific registrations. The startup roadmap walks through the order, and free one-on-one help is available from APEX Accelerators and SBA resource partners.
QBH Contracts