Section 20.400  General

a)         The certification process verifies that the business is owned and controlled by eligible individuals in accordance with requirements of the Code and this Part. CMS will oversee the certification process outlined in this Section.

1)         CMS will certify an entity, business or firm that meets the requirements listed in this Part. All certifications, new and existing, shall be valid for a period of 5 years from the effective date of the certification, subject to annual confirmation.

2)         Only certified SDVOSBs and VOSBs are eligible for the benefits of the Program. Agencies may count only those expenditures with a certified business or certified business subcontractor toward meeting the goal.

3)         A business owned and controlled by at least 51% service-disabled veterans and veterans shall be counted as a business owned and controlled by the eligible group that has the largest percentage of ownership.

b)         These classifications facilitate consistent accounting of agency contract awards to businesses covered by the Code.  Certification under the Program does not preclude those businesses from receiving any contract that may be awarded under the Code or other applicable law.