Frequently Ask Questions A-Z
Access to InformationQ: Who has access to my information?A: VA personnel and authorized VA Contractors will have access your information. Any information you submit the Center for Veterans Enterprises (CVE) will be used to verify your Veteran status and Veteran business ownership. VA personnel and authorized VA Contractors will use the information to establish ownership and control by the Veteran business owner. All authorized personnel will comply with non-disclosure agreements and Privacy Act regulations. Active DutyQ1: I am in a Medical Hold Unit. Do I qualify?A: No, you will become eligible for the Verification Program upon receipt of your discharge documents (DD-214). A: No, you will become eligible for the Verification Program upon receipt of your discharge documents (DD-214). Additional ReviewQ: What is “Additional Review” and how long does that take?A: “Additional Review” means the file has completed the initial examination. The file is returned to CVE personnel, where further examination is performed. CVE staff reviews documents already submitted in support of the application and may request further documentation, or may recommend the company for site visit. “Additional Review” extends the time needed to issue a decision, but this extra effort strengthens the decision record. AgenciesQ1: Does this program apply to all Federal agencies?A: No, the Verification Program applies ONLY to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Other Federal agencies accept self-representation. They rely upon information in the Central Contractor Registry, www.CCR.gov. Q2: Do State and Local Government agencies accept VA’s Verification status? A: Check with the specific government agency in question. VA has no formal agreements with any state or local government agencies regarding use of the VetBiz.gov Vendor Information Pages database. AppealsQ1: How do I appeal a denial letter?A: The appeal process, known as a request for reconsideration, is outlined on the final page of your initial denial letter. “If you wish to file a request for reconsideration, please submit a request letter that clearly and conclusively addresses each of the issues raised. In addition, you must provide official corporate or company documentation substantiating each claim made in your request. Screen shots or copies of business profiles in self-reporting databases do not qualify as official corporate records. Without adequate supporting documentation, we will have no rational basis for granting your request for reconsideration.” Q2: Where do I file an appeal? A: Please mail your request to the following address: Mr. Thomas J. Leney ApplicationQ1: Who has my application?A: The application form (VA Form 0877) is submitted to CVE. CVE maintains control of all documents relating to the Verification Program application. Only persons cleared by VA’s Office of Security and Preparedness receive authorization to access this information. Q2: When will a decision be made on my application? A: By regulation, VA has 90 days, when practicable, after receipt of both an application and supporting business records. Unfortunately, due to priority processing and the volume of applications CVE has received, VA has fallen behind in completing decisions. At this time, we estimate we will clear applications received prior to May 1 by August 1, 2011. Records received subsequent to May 1 should clear within the 90-day processing timeframe. Approval lettersQ: Where is my approval letter? The logo is on in the database.A: Upon approval, CVE turns on the logo in VIP. CVE staff mail the approval letter to the Veteran concern within one to two business days of the determination being issued. Additionally, the applicant receives an email message which contains a scanned copy of the signed decision. BenefitsQ1: Who benefits from this program?A: The Veteran business owner and the Government mutually benefit from this program. Upon approval, the Program Participant has documented proof of eligibility. This gives confidence to VA that set-asides are being awarded to legitimate firms owned and controlled by Veterans or service-connected disabled Veterans. This helps stimulate the small business community and create growth for the economy. Q2: You have asked for a lot of personal information, before I decide whether to give it to you, what exactly are the benefits of becoming verified? How will it help my business? A: Approved firms are eligible to participate in VOSB and SDVOSB set-asides issued by VA. They are eligible to subcontract with VA’s large prime contractors in acquisitions where additional evaluation credit. They are also eligible to participate in VA’s Veteran-owned small business Mentor-Protégé Program. VA is one of the largest procurement organizations in the Federal Government. Annually, this Department spends over $3 Billion with eligible Veteran-owned small businesses. That’s a lot of opportunity. BIRLSQ: What is BIRLS?A: BIRLS stands for Beneficiary Identification Records Locator Subsystem. It is a database maintained by VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration. CVE uses the BIRLS system to identify Veteran status and service-connected disability status for the Verification Program. This ensures that owners are documented as having left service with other than a dishonorable discharge and that disability results from a service-connected condition. Character of ServiceQ: My letter says I had no character of service recorded in BIRLS. Who do I need to talk to in order to get this fixed?A: You need to speak to the folks at your local VA Regional Office (VARO). Only the VARO has the ability to modify and change Veteran records. To have the changes made you need to provide the VARO a copy of your discharge documents (DD214). To find your local regional office, please call 1.800.827.1000 or go online to www.vba.va.gov. We suggest you hand-carry your DD214 to the VARO and have the VA employee process your records’ change. If the VA employee does not understand what is requested, have them call CVE directly on 202.303.3260. CompetitorsQ1: How do I challenge the status of one of my competitors who is claiming to be a SDVOSB?A: If a Veteran believes they have proof that a competitor is falsely claiming SDVOSB or VOSB status, the Veteran needs to submit a status protest to the VA Contracting Officer within 5 business days of bid opening in a sealed bid acquisition or learning or the successful offeror in a negotiated acquisition. Details are contained in VA Acquisition Regulation Part 819.307. Q2: I do not want my competitors looking at my information, even if they are your contractors. Who can I speak to about making sure only a Federal employee sees my records? A: CVE does not require substantial financial information that would enable a competitor to obtain any advantage; we ask for the minimum documentation required by law. This documentation is needed to assess Veteran ownership and control. Verification is a voluntary program and if a company wishes to apply, the applicant must understand CVE will be unable to provide a review solely by federal employees. Business proprietary information and federal tax returns are exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act and are not disclosed by FOIA requests. ComplianceQ: This paperwork you are asking for does not comply with your Paperwork Reduction Act notice. You have no legal grounds for calling in the documents. A: Public Law 111-275 requires CVE to review business and financial documents to verify that the Applicant complies with the specific requirements of 38 CFR Part 74. Verification is a voluntary program, which allows SDVOSB’s and VOSB’s to become eligible for Veterans First contracting opportunities with the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you do not wish to submit the required business documents, that is your right. However, your application will be examined based on the information provided. If there is not sufficient information to determine ownership and control, you risk being denied Verification. CostQ: Does this cost me anything?A: Verification is performed at no cost to the Veteran. It is a free service provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. DD214Q: Why can’t I just give you my DD214 as I do for other programs? If I can use it to get a Federal job, it should be acceptable for your program.A: Some Veterans have fraudulently manipulated their discharge document. We rely upon original source data to ensure the integrity of our program. DecisionQ1: When will I get a decision?A: Verification determinations are issued as quickly as possible. By regulation, VA has 90 days to issue an initial decision once the owner provides both the application form and all business records required to complete the examination. Q2: How do you send out decisions? Q3: I never received the decision you claim you sent me. Prove you sent it. A: CVE can provide copies of determinations and information regarding response to Verification request. Please contact The Verification Program Assistance Center (VPAC) help desk at 1-202-618-3765 and/or 1-866-584-2344. All Verification calls received after 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) will be returned the next business day. Q4: Your decision is so full of errors and mistakes; I am calling my congressional representative to report your incompetence! A: If you disagree with an initial denial decision and wish to request reconsideration, the best course of action is for you to follow the instructions in the letter. You can start to remediate the issues raised in the decision letter the day you receive it. Read the Guideline for Applicants; remediate the reason(s) you were denied; and reapply. Once the reason(s) for denial have been resolved, companies who have requested reconsideration will be approved. You may contact your congressional representative, but please note you have thirty days from receipt of the initial denial letter to request reconsideration. You can submit your concerns to your representative and remain in communication with us, while waiting to hear back from them.DeletedQ: My profile has been deleted. What do I do now?A: Submit an email to the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) help desk (vip@va.gov) for further assistance. Please include the following information: Company Name: DenialsQ: I have a denial letter. Will my existing contracts be terminated?A: Each contracting officer will make a determination as to the continuation of any existing contracts, with the assistance of VA legal counsel. DirectorQ: Who is the Director? I want to speak with him.A: The Executive Director of the CVE is Mr. Thomas Leney. Mr. Leney can be contacted at the following address: Mr. Thomas J. Leney Office # 1-800-949-8387 DisabilityQ1: What documents will you accept to prove my disability?A: CVE prefers that Veterans do not submit disability documents. CVE can establish service connected disability through BIRLS, VA’s repository of Veteran data. Q2: The Contracting Officer is asking me to send in my disability-rating letter. Can you send that to me? A: No, the Contracting Officer cannot, and should not, request a copy of your disability rating; it is a violation of the Privacy Act. You may contact the VA Regional Office to request a “sanitized” copy of your rating letter which does not contain any Personally Identifiable Information. However, a disability letter will not validate the control requirements of the laws. You should apply for verification, instead. The Verified status on VetViz.gov provides assurance that the company is veteran owned and controlled, as claimed. A disability letter provides no such assurance. DocumentsQ1: Do I need to send all these documents?A: Please submit all documents you have available. If you cannot provide one of more of the documents request, please provide a written statement of explanation detailing why you cannot provide the requested document. Q2: How do I know which documents to send to you? A: On your VIP profile, once you have indicated the type of business you own (S or C Corp, LLC/ LLP); a list will appear of the required documents for your specific business type. A: Please provide a written statement of explanation for each document that you are unable to provide. Q4: What happens if I cannot get the documents to you on time? DoDQ: I am not in BIRLS, but I can give you my DoD disability rating.A: You will need to submit a copy of the DoD disability rating to CVE. DUNSQ: What is a DUNS number and how do I get one?A: Every contractor doing business with the federal government must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. You may request a DUNS number at D&B’s website (www.dnb.com). There is NO CHARGE for issuance of a DUNS# when it is required for Federal registration purposes. For more information please contact the D&B Government Customer Response Center (GCRC) at 866-705-5711. EligibilityQ: Can members of the National Guard or Reserve apply?A: Members of the National Guard and Reserve are eligible to apply for Verification if they have served on Federal Active Duty for anything other than training. A Reservist or member of the National Guard called to Federal active duty or disabled from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty, or while in training status also qualifies as a Veteran. If you have any questions relating to your Veteran status, contact your local Regional Office. For a complete Regional Office Listing visit: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/ro/rocontacts.htm ErasedQ: I cannot see my profile. Did someone erase it?A: If the profile has not been updated within the past year, it may have been archived. To determine the problem, e-mail VIP@va.gov and someone will get back with you quickly. Include the following information in the body of the e-mail: company name, DUNS number, e-mail address used to register, and the Veteran owner’s name. Federal ContractsQ1: Will this help me win Federal contracts?A: Verification is required only for VOSB or SDVOSB set-aside opportunities with VA. Verification has no bearing on contracting opportunities with other Federal agencies. Q2: Is there a benefit like a price adjustment if I get verified? A: There is no financial incentive to being verified. The incentive is that you become eligible to participate in Veterans First Contracting with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Federal Employee(s)Q: Can Federal employees be approved for your program?A: A current full-time employee of the Federal government is not eligible for the Verification program. We advise you to seek advice from a Federal attorney specializing in ethics and conflicts of interest issues. FireQ: My records were destroyed in the St. Louis fire. How do I apply?A: Visit www.archives.gov/veterans/ click on the link titled “Request records online with eVetRecs.” You may request this information online via eVetRecs, or download the form SF-180 and Mail or Fax your request. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)Q: Can someone obtain copies of my personal information through a Freedom of Information Act Request?A: Your personal information is specifically exempt from FOIA disclosure under Exemption 6 in the law: documents which are "personal and medical and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.” 5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(6). Full-time EmploymentQ: Didn’t they change the rules about full-time employment? What are the current requirements?A: Yes, the rules on full-time employment have changed. It is no longer a requirement for eligibility. 38 CFR part 74 states: “An applicant or participant must be controlled by one or more Veterans or service-disabled Veterans who possess requisite management capabilities. Owners need not work full-time but must show sustained and significant time invested in the business. An owner engaged in employment or management outside the applicant concern must submit a written statement supplemental to the application, which demonstrates that such activities will not have a significant impact on the owner's ability to manage and control the applicant concern. Applications from joint-ventures are exempt from the requirement to submit a supplemental written statement.” However, at least one eligible owner must work full-time managing the day-to-day operations of the applicant. FraudQ: What are the rules to avoid being identified as a fraud and where do I find them?A: We suggest that you schedule an appointment with the closest Procurement Technical Assistance Center. This is a help organization funded by the Defense Logistics Agency to ensure small businesses understand federal procurement rules. The business coach will explain to you rules governing the “limitations on subcontracting” and “ostensible subcontracting.” The business coach will also direct you to information on the Internet where you can learn more details. To find your closest PTAC, please visit: http://www.aptac-us.org/new/ GI BillQ: Information for schools who wish to apply for approval of Licensing and Certification examinations regarding the GI Bill:A: http://www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/school_resources.htm Atlanta Certifying Official's Handbook - (Updated June 2009) - PDF St Louis Certifying Official's Handbook - (Updated 2006) - PDF (5MB) WAVES Handbook - (Updated November 9, 2009) - PDF HelpQ: How can I help speed the decision process for you?A: Make sure you have all of your required business documents for the Verification Program uploaded to VIP. Check the e-mail address on file in VIP regularly for correspondence, as this is one of the main forms of communications from our Verifiers. If anyone requests information from you, respond immediately to avoid your application being placed on hold. HousingQ1: I am interested in opening up my home to veterans.A: The Point of Contact for the Homeless Veteran Program is Q2: A realtor (Example: Washington Homes) wants to be able to sell houses to veterans. They must be certified in order to sell. Who would they call? A: Mr. Gerald Kifer, Loan Guaranty Service (262) – (202) 461-9549 Q3: Does VA offer housing grants? A: VA offers grants for Specially Adapted Housing. Veteran or service members who have specific service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the purpose of constructing an adapted home or modifying and existing home to meet their adaptive needs. For more information on use of such grants, please contact Brian.bixler@va.gov. For all other available grants through the federal government, please visit www.grants.gov. Income Tax RecordsQ: I am a start-up company; we do not have any previous year’s taxes. What do I do?A: Do not worry; we understand start-up companies may not have all of the required business documents, including tax returns. Please provide all available information at the time of submission. For the documents unavailable at this time, please submit a statement of explanation describing why you do not have these documents available. JobsQ1: I am a Federal employee who wants to hire Veterans through the Veterans Readjustment Authority. How do I find them?A: In VA, Contact Mr. Greg Alleyne, Deputy Director, Veterans Employment Coordination Service is the Program Point of Contact for the Washington DC area. He may be reached at (202) 461-6997 or vecs@va.gov. Q2: I am an owner who wants to offer jobs to returning Veterans. How do I find them? A: Go to the Department of Labor’s website for Veterans Employment and Training Service and review the “Employer” section. You will find it very helpful. The URL is www.DOL/VETS. Joint VenturesQ: How many verified Joint Ventures am I allowed to have?A: There is no limit to the amount of Joint Ventures a verified Veteran or service-disabled Veteran owned small business may have verified. “LOCKED”Q: What does this mean? How do I get it removed from my profile?A: If you see the word *LOCK* before the business name on your VIP profile, this means your application was denied for inclusion to the Vendor Information Pages. If you have not already received an explanation letter, you should receive it within the next few days. If you have not received a letter within two weeks from this phone call, please check your address in VIP, and contact this office again to request the letter to resend it to you. The only way to have *LOCK* removed from your profile, is to request reconsideration or reapply and be determined your business is a Veteran or service-disabled Veteran owned small business. LoginQ: I am having login problems. Can you help me?A: If you are having password problems, enter your username and choose “Forgot Your Password?” to the right of your screen. Your password will be e-mailed to the primary e-mail address listed in VIP. If you are having problems logging in related to your user name, please Long TimeQ1: What is taking so long?A: VA recently received a significant spike in applications for the Verification Program due to the passage of the Veteran Benefits Act of 2010 on October 10, 2010. The Veteran Benefits Act of 2010 established Public Law (P.L. 111-275 sec. 104; Veterans Small Business Verification Act); this law expands VA’s requirement to verify business status as owned and operated by Veterans, service-disabled Veterans or eligible surviving spouses. This law is intended to protect our Veterans, their families and survivors who have Veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB). To comply with the law, VA increased the number of related business documents that must be examined prior to issuing a decision letter. Q2: How much longer will I be waiting for a decision? A: The regulatory processing timeframe for all new Verification Program applications is 90 calendar days. This time frame begins on the date that VA has acknowledged both receipt of the application form and the required supporting documents or a statement of explanation for any missing document. The Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE) Verification Program Office has established the Verification Program Assistance Center (VPAC) to help address all questions concerning the length of time to process the Verification application and identify the status of the application in process. The Verification Program Assistance Center (VPAC) help desk can be reached by calling 1-202-618-3765 and/or NAICSQ1: What is a NAICS?A: A NAICS (pronounced Nakes) is a code that comes from the North American Industry Classification System. Federal contractors are required to register their NAICS for each product or service they plan to sell to the Government. This is linked to the size standards which govern the small business set-asides and all subset categories. The Verification Program requires businesses to register their NAICS codes in the VetBiz.gov Vendor Information Pages database to determine eligibility. One quick tip is if you have already registered in the CCR, just type your DUNS number into the VIP database and all data in common fields from the CCR will transfer to VIP. This will save you some time. Q2: How do I know what my NAICS are? A: 1. You can use the search feature at www.census.gov/naics. In the "2007 NAICS Search" box on the left side of that page, enter a keyword that describes your kind of business. A list of primary business activities containing that keyword and the corresponding NAICS codes will appear. Choose the one that most closely corresponds to your primary business activity, or refine your search to obtain other choices. 2. Rather than searching through a list of primary business activities, you may also view the complete 2007 NAICS structure with codes and titles by clicking on "For 2007 NAICS" on the left-hand column from the NAICS main webpage. Then click on the two-digit Sector code to see all the NAICS codes under that Sector. Then choose the six-digit code of your interest to see the corresponding definition, as well as cross-references and index items, when available. 3. If you know your old SIC code, you can also find the appropriate 2002 NAICS code by using the detailed conversion (concordance) between the 1987 SIC and 2002 NAICS available in Excel format for download at the "Concordances" link on this website. Q3: I am not small for some NAICS so am I still eligible for your program? A: You cannot be verified as a Veteran-owned small business if you are not considered a small business under the North American Industry Classification System. However, if you are considered small under other NAICS codes, you may omit the codes for which your business does not qualify, and list only those under which you are considered small. PinsQ1: My pin broke in the mail. Will you send me a new one?A: Please send an e-mail message to the VIP help desk at VIP@va.gov with your request for a replacement pin and one will be mailed to you shortly. Q2: How do I order more pins? A: Additional pins for members of your staff may be ordered by contacting the Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) at 866-256-0266. Q3: I tried calling to order more pins, but no one answers the phone. A: Please e-mail the VIP help desk at VIP@va.gov detailing your attempts to contact the VCS and one of our staff members will assist you. ProfileQ1: How do I edit my VIP profile?A: Go to https://www.vip.vetbiz.gov/general_user/update/default.asp. Login to your profile, make your updates, and hit the update bottom at the bottom of your profile. Q2: How long will my profile be visible? A: Your profile will be visible as long as you maintain verified status. Each profile must be updated at least once a year. PurposeQ: What is the purpose of this program? Is it business development like 8(a)?A: This program is not like the 8(a) program. The purpose is to ensure that legitimately owned and controlled Veteran and service-disabled Veteran-owned small businesses are able to compete for VA VOSB and SDVOSB set-asides; to be credited by VA’s large prime contractors for subcontract plan achievements and to participate in VA’s VOSB Mentor-Protégé Program. Regional OfficeQ1: Where is the closest regional office?A: Your call to VA’s Benefits Helpline, 1-800-827-1000 will automatically route you to the nearest Regional Office. For a complete listing of Regional offices nationwide visit: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/ro/rocontacts.htm Q2: Do I need to personally go to the Regional Office? A: Every Regional Office is different, try to contact your Regional Office by phone first, they may allow you to mail or fax in your information. However, it is CVE’s recommendation that it is in your best interest to hand-deliver your items. RegulationQ: Where do I find the regulation that you use to evaluate applications?A: The regulation governing the Verification Program is published in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. To review this regulation please visit www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/ , select the link on the left side of the screen titled “e-CFR”; select the dropdown; and scroll to select part 74. VA will also post the regulation to the VetBiz.gov and the www.VA.gov/OSDBU web pages.
RenewalsQ1: Am I going to have to send in all this material next year?A: Currently CVE is formulating the procedures for renewal of Verifications. Details for performing renewals will be posted in the future. We encourage your suggestions for improving the process. Please send your thoughts to VACVE@va.gov. Q2: Why do you do yearly renewals? A: To ensure Veteran business are compliant with regulations governing the VOSB and SDVOSB Verification program. Q3: Is the renewal process any faster? It took me months to get my approval. A: Currently CVE is formulating the procedures for renewal of Verifications. Details for performing renewals will be posted in the future. Please send your thoughts to VACVE@va.gov. Q4: I am renewing. I was not asked to submit these documents before. What changed? A: VA is strengthening our examination procedures to align more closely with other small business programs. In addition, the Veterans Small Business Verification Act passed in October 2010, now requires that VA collect documents which were previously stored for possible review at the owner’s place of business. Removal From VIPQ: Why has CVE removed my company from VIP? A: Your firm has been removed from VIP if your application was denied verification or you did not respond to previous requests for required documents. Your Business is now ineligible to participate in Veterans First Contracting Program opportunities with VA. You may apply for verification, but your application package is not complete until all required documentation is submitted. SecurityQ: Are the documents I submit secure?A: Yes, your documents are stored on a secure VA server. Only authorized personnel with security clearances are authorized to access these documents. Site VisitsQ1: Can I ask for a site visit instead of sending you the documents?A: No, due to the cost of travel, CVE is only able to visit the companies assigned for site visit by as determined necessary by CVE. Q2: What if I offer to pay for the site visit? A: I am sorry, the Verification Program is provided at no cost to the Veteran, as such, we are not able to accept payment for a Site Visit. Q3: What are the rules for who gets chosen for a site visit? A: CVE uses different criteria for choosing site visit candidates. Site visits are usually recommended due to ownership and control issues identified during examination. Q4: How many companies do you site visit (in a year/month)? A: The number varies from month to month. It is dependent upon the nature of the pending applications. You may ask for details from Small BusinessQ: How do I know if I meet the size standards for a small business?A: We suggest that you schedule an appointment with the closest Procurement Technical Assistance Center. This is a help organization funded by the Defense Logistics Agency to ensure small businesses understand federal procurement rules. The business coach will explain to you rules governing the size standards. The business coach will also direct you to information on the Internet where you can learn more details. In a few instances, your business coach will recommend that you seek advice from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to determine if you meet the small business criteria for your industry. We recommend you do this jointly with the PTAC business coach. SBA contact information can be located at www.sba.gov. To find your closest PTAC, please visit: http://www.aptac-us.org/new/ Starting a businessQ1: My “partner” says he will fund my start-up costs. Is this OK?A: If your partner is a Veteran, this does not present a concern. If the partner is not a Veteran, we suggest that you seek legal advice. VA’s regulation provides examples of “negative control,” where non-Veterans may or may not have authority over the Veteran owner. The details are explained in 38 CFR Part 74.4(i)(2). During the examination review process CVE will carefully evaluate the relationship of all owners. Q2: I need assistance with starting or expanding a business A1: If you are already open for business and want to sell to the federal government, contact your closest Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) for assistance with all of the required documentation and registration to bid on government contracts. Please refer to the PTAC Website for the listing of an office near you: The Small Business Development Center: http://www.sba.gov/content/small-business-development-centers-sbdcs; Please refer to the PTAC Website for the listing of an office near you: A3: If you are service-disabled Veteran who wants to start a business, please view the Veterans Business Outreach Program Website and the SBDC Website for assistance. The Veterans Business Outreach Program: http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/1/2985; The SBDC Website:
http://www.sba.gov/content/small-business-development-centers-sbdcs. A: No, VA does not provide loans for businesses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has a special loan program for Veterans called “Patriot Express.” We recommend that owners work with the Small Business Development Center to ensure they have the documents necessary to apply for the program. Details are available at www.sba.gov/patriotexpress If have service-connected disability rating, please refer to the Business Outreach Program Website: http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/1/2985 Otherwise visit the SBDC Website: http://www.sba.gov/content/small-business-development-centers-sbdcs. StatusQ1: How do I find status of my application?A: Please contact The Verification Program Assistance Center (VPAC) help desk at 1-202-618-3765 and/or 1-866-584-2344. All Verification calls received after 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) will be returned the next business day. SubcontractingQ2: Is Verification required for subcontracting?A: Full and open solicitations issued by VA after December 8, 2009, contain a clause, VAAR 852.219-9, VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirements (December 2009) which says: Please be aware that this plan is required only from large business concerns. For more information about VA’s subcontracting program, please contact the VA’s Center for Small Business Utilization at 202-461-4300. Surviving SpouseQ1: Who qualifies as a surviving spouse and what paperwork is required?A: A surviving spouse is the spouse of a Veteran who has passed away from a service-connected disability and was rated at 100% or whose demise was the direct result of a service-connected disability. In order to be recognized as an eligible surviving spouse for VOSB Verification Program purposes, the following proof must be provided: (1) Surviving Spouse must file VA Form 21-534, Application for Dependency on Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child and be officially recorded in VA’s BIRLS database. We recommend the spouse work with VA’s Office of Survivor’s Assistance. Details are available at: http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/. (3) Provide copies of business documents (Articles of Incorporation or Operating Agreement) detailing transfer of business ownership to surviving spouse and new updated version. Please be aware this is only required when the death of the eligible Veteran causes ownership of the business to drop below the mandatory 51% minimum percentage. Q2: Can a surviving spouse bid on work while the paperwork is being processed by VA? A: Owners are required to notify the Center for Veterans Enterprise when a change of ownership occurs which reduces the percentage of ownership by eligible Veterans or service-disabled Veterans below the minimum 51% threshold. In cases of the death of an owner, the business has up to 60 days to provide that notification to VA. Existing contracts will not be disrupted, but the business should not submit offers on new work until a new VAF 0877 application for the VOSB Verification Program has been executed and the business has received an updated decision document back from VA. Verification NumberQ: A prime contractor wants me to produce a Verification Number. Where do I find that?A: CVE does not provide a Verification number. If a contractor wants to provide proof of status, please refer to the “logo” which appears on the Vendor Information Pages database at www.VetBiz.gov. VeteranQ: Do you need to have served in combat to be a Veteran?A: No, a Veteran must have a DD214 discharge document from active duty which establishes the character of service is “other than dishonorable” in order to qualify for the Verification Program. Wait TimeQ1: What is the average time to process an application?A: Regulatory compliance is 90 days for Verification requests. Unfortunately, due to priority processing and the volume of applications CVE has recently received, completing decisions within this time frame has not often occurred. With the May 2, 2011, launch of the VIP-5 database now electronically screening for BIRLS and EPLS and providing a means to upload documents to a secure environment, applications are now back on track to be finalized within the 90-day time frame. Q2: What is the current wait time? I have heard it will be 7 months or more to get a decision. A: Regulatory compliance is 90 days for Verification requests. Unfortunately, due to priority processing and the volume of applications CVE has recently received, completing decisions within this time frame has not often occurred. With the May 2, 2011, launch of the VIP-5 database now electronically screening for BIRLS and EPLS and providing a means to upload documents to a secure environment, applications are now back on track to be finalized within the 90-day time frame. |