SDVOSB certification gives veteran-owned businesses access to billions in set-aside contracts, but the process is rarely straightforward. Applications face significant rejection risks, and success depends less on veteran status itself and more on whether your documents align to show ownership and control. The good news: the SBA cleared its VetCert backlog in late 2025 and reduced processing times to an average of just 12 days, down from the 60 to 90 days that was typical throughout most of 2024 and early 2025.
What Is CMMC and Why It Matters in 2025
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC, is the Department of WAR’s framework for protecting sensitive information in the federal contracting space. Starting in October 2025, CMMC requirements will began appearing in DoW solicitations. The rollout will occur in phases through 2028.
CMMC applies to both prime contractors and subcontractors that handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Even if it’s not yet written into your current contract, many prime contractors are already requesting proof of compliance or system readiness from their subs.
