Veteran’s Certification FAQs
What is a SDVE?
A “Service-disabled veteran” means any individual who is disabled as certified by the appropriate federal agency responsible for the administration of veterans’ affairs.
What is an HDVE?
An “Honorably discharged veteran”, any individual who is honorably discharged from any branch of the United States Armed Forces as certified by the appropriate federal agency responsible for the administration
of veterans’ affairs.
May I qualify as both a SDVE and HDVE?
Businesses certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran Enterprise (SDVE) will also qualify for Honorably Discharged Veteran Enterprise (HDVE) certification because SDVE eligibility requires an honorable discharge. However, HDVE
certification does not automatically qualify a business for SDVE certification.
Businesses may hold both SDVE and HDVE certifications; however, participation points are not cumulative. A business will receive a maximum of three (3) participation points, regardless of whether it holds one or both certifications.
Therefore, there is no additional state-level participation point benefit for holding both certifications.
What are the advantages of obtaining the State of Missouri SDVE/HDVE certification?
Certification as a SDVE and/or HDVE provides greater opportunities for these businesses to bid on state contracts. All certified SDVE/HDVE vendors appear on the Office of Equal Opportunity Certified SDVE/HDVE Vendor Database. Both contractors and state agencies use this site as a resource in soliciting certified minority and/or female participation for ongoing projects. This certification covers all state agencies except for Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), which participates in the Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.
What if a question in the certification application does not apply to me?
Please mark not applicable (N/A) and include an explanation.
Is my business automatically certified with the State of Missouri if I am certified with another state?
No. You must go through the State of Missouri’s certification process to become certified. It is important to note certification with another entity does not guarantee certification with OEO, and each case is reviewed on its individual merits.
Is my business automatically certified if I am certified as a SDVE/HDVE with another Missouri certifying entity?
No. Missouri-based businesses must apply to Office of Equal Opportunity for SDVE/HDVE Certification
What help is available with the application process?
If you need help with the application process, please call our office at +1 (573) 751-8130, our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.
Is there an application fee?
No! This service is provided free of charge as a benefit from the State of Missouri.
How long does the certification process take?
Standard process for Missouri-based businesses takes approximately 60-90 days.
How long does the certification last?
SDVE/HDVE certification is generally valid for three (3) years. In some cases, a one-year certification period may be issued based on the documentation submitted or other factors related to the certification review.
Businesses receiving a one-year certification may be required to provide additional documentation and/or complete the recertification process at the end of that one-year period.
Businesses are responsible for monitoring their certification expiration date and responding to communications from the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) regarding their certification. Please pay close attention to expiration
dates and any emails or correspondence you receive from OEO.
Do I receive a certificate and/or logo when I’m certified?
Once your application has been approved, you will receive an official certificate confirming your SDVE and/or HDVE certification.
Certified businesses may also request a copy of the applicable SDVE/HDVE certification logo for use in promoting their certified status.
How do I re-certify my HDVE/SDVE?
OEO will send a reminder email regarding your certification expiration date. However, businesses are responsible for monitoring their certification status and ensuring that all required documentation is submitted in a timely
manner.
All documentation related to SDVE/HDVE certification should be submitted to:
OEO.VeteranCertification@oa.mo.gov
What help is available with the re-certification process?
If you need assistance with the SDVE/HDVE application process, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity at (573) 751-8130. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you and answer questions about the
certification process.
What happens if my application is denied?
If you are denied certification, you have two options: (1) you may wait six months from the date on your letter of denial and reapply or (2) appeal the determination to the Commissioner of the Office of Administration (OA). You have twenty-one (21) calendar days from the date on your letter of denial of your denial letter to appeal. The Commissioner’s decision is final. If your denial is upheld on appeal, you may reapply in six months (180 days) from the date of the official notification of the denial being upheld.
How do I appeal a denial?
An appeal must be presented in writing to the Commissioner’s Office within twenty-one calendar (21) days from the date on your letter of denial of your denial letter. Please mail your appeal to:
Office of Administration
Commissioner’s Office
P.O. Box 809
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
If I was certified, do I remain certified during the appeal process?
No. As soon as a denial is issued the HDVE/SDVE status is revoked. In order for that status to be re-instated the denial must be overturned by the commissioner’s office.
May I bid on state projects prior to my certification?
Yes. Your SDVE/HDVE status does not preclude you from bidding on state contracts or bidding with prime contractors for subcontracts. Certification is not necessary for doing business with the State of Missouri. However, SDVE/HDVE certification has significant advantages, especially for smaller, less-established firms. You will not be eligible to receive some of these advantages if you are not certified by the bid close date.
What types of contracting opportunities are available with the State of Missouri?
There are various types of opportunities for contracting with the State of Missouri, and these opportunities change constantly. For the most recent listing of available opportunities please visit https://oa.mo.gov/purchasing/bidding-contracts for subcontracting opportunities or https://oa.mo.gov/purchasing/bidding-contracts/agency-bid-proposal-sites for a listing of bids available by agency.
How can suspected abuse of the SDVE/HDVE program be reported?
Reports of fraud and abuse or if there are third parties who have reason to believe that an enterprise has been wrongfully granted certification, either as a SDVE/HDVE or joint venture, they may file a third party challenge with OEO. Challenges by third parties are not considered an appeal. Any allegations of suspected abuse of Missouri’s Certification Program or to obtain forms to report the suspected abuse, please call OEO at +1 (573) 751-8130, or email us at OEO@oa.mo.gov.
How will SDVE/HDVE contract compliance be monitored?
Contract compliance is monitored by the Office of Administration through the Division of Purchasing.
