For California entrepreneurs seeking an edge in the state procurement marketplace, certification through the California Department of General Services (DGS) remains one of the most effective ways to increase visibility, access contracting opportunities, and compete more fairly for government contracts. DGS’s Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services (OSDS) oversees certification for both Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) designations — and understanding how to apply or re-apply is essential for business growth.

What the SB and DVBE Certifications Do

The SB and DVBE certification programs are designed to promote and increase participation by small businesses — including veteran-owned firms — in state contracting. Certification can help businesses:

• Appear in the official California certified vendor directory used by state agencies and prime contractors
• Be considered for direct contracting opportunities through the SB/DVBE Option
• Participate in solicitations with bid preferences or incentive programs
• Expand access to state procurement markets worth billions annually
  
  

Certification also supports broader policy goals: California law calls for specific participation targets — such as a 3% DVBE participation requirement on many state contracts — and agencies seek to maximize involvement from certified firms.

Who Qualifies for SB and DVBE Certification

Small Business (SB):

To qualify as a certified small business in California, a firm must be independently owned and operated, meet state revenue size standards, and have its principal office in California. For most SB applications, average gross annual revenues over the previous three years must fall below the threshold defined for the business’s industry category.

Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE):

DVBE certification is specifically for businesses owned by disabled veterans. To qualify, the business must meet several requirements:

• At least 51% owned by one or more disabled veterans
• Disabled veteran(s) must be actively managing and controlling the day-to-day operations and decision-making
• The veteran(s) must have a service-connected disability as verified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (typically at least 10% disability)
• The firm’s home office must be located in the U.S. and properly registered to do business in California
• For certain business structures such as LLCs, the entity may need to be wholly owned by qualifying disabled veterans

These requirements, set out in DGS’s certification criteria, ensure that only legitimate disabled veteran-owned businesses receive DVBE certification and access to corresponding opportunities.

How to Apply or Re-Apply

1. Register on Cal eProcure

All certification applications are submitted through Cal eProcure — California’s online procurement portal. Businesses must first create or update their profile on the system before beginning the certification process.

2. Complete the Certification Application

Once registered, log in to Cal eProcure and navigate to the Small Business/DVBE services section. Select the appropriate certification type — SB, DVBE, or both — and complete the questionnaire. Applicants need to provide documentation supporting ownership, structure, financials, veteran disability status, and control of the business.

3. Upload Required Documentation

Required attachments typically include tax returns, ownership agreements, veteran disability verification (e.g., VA award letter), government-issued IDs, and other supporting evidence. Ensuring files are complete and clearly labeled reduces processing delays.

4. Submit and Monitor Status

After submission, the Office of Small Business and DVBE Services reviews the application. Processing times vary but generally range from a few weeks to a couple of months depending on workload and completeness of the submission.

5. Renew on Time

Certification is typically valid for two years and must be renewed before expiration. Re-application requirements mirror the initial application process, and businesses should begin renewal well before their current certifications lapse.

Why Certification Still Matters

For many California vendors, SB and DVBE certifications unlock opportunities that would be difficult to access otherwise. Certified firms are more likely to be considered for:

• State agency contracts and solicitations that prioritize or require certified vendors
• SB/DVBE Option contracts, where state agencies can award directly to certified firms
• Prime contractor subcontracting goals, particularly for DVBEs
• Educational and outreach events that connect vendors with buyers and procurement professionals
  
  

Certification also supports compliance with state procurement goals — such as the minimum DVBE participation rate of 3% in many solicitations — meaning agencies and primes actively seek certified DVBEs as part of responsible bidding.

Getting Support and More Information

The DGS Office of Small Business and DVBE Services offers outreach, training, and assistance to help applicants successfully navigate the certification process. You can contact the office at (916) 375-4940 or via email at OSDSHelp@dgs.ca.gov for help with applications, renewals, or understanding program requirements.

Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your SB/DVBE certification, completing the process through Cal eProcure positions your business to compete more effectively in California’s public procurement landscape. Certification opens doors — and in an increasingly competitive market, having that verified status can make a decisive difference