Noah King
When veterans transition from military service, their mission shifts—but their purpose endures. Increasingly, former service members are channeling their skills into entrepreneurship and federal supply, finding new ways to continue serving the nation through federal contracting. The discipline, leadership, and operational rigor that defined their military careers directly align with the structured, outcome-focused environment of government contracting. At FEDCON, we empower veterans to leverage these assets, building high-performing businesses that generate measurable impact.
The progression from military duties to business ownership is a logical step for many veterans. According to data from the Small Business Administration (SBA), veteran-owned businesses represent nearly six percent of America’s small businesses and support employment for over four million individuals nationwide. This drive toward business creation underscores veterans’ core strengths—initiative, team leadership, and exacting execution. Federal contracting in particular offers a compelling pathway: it enables veterans to extend their legacy of service while establishing resilient, competitive enterprises. Excellence in federal procurement demands the same hallmarks veterans exemplify—discipline, reliability, and unwavering accountability.
Several factors give veterans a strategic advantage in the federal marketplace. They bring a mission-first mindset, executing with clarity and focus on objectives and outcomes. Their adherence to structure and compliance is invaluable for meeting complex federal procurement requirements and data security protocols. Veterans’ leadership and collaborative skills—shaped by coordinating diverse teams in high-stakes settings—are critical for delivering results in demanding, multi-stakeholder environments. Their adaptability, forged in unpredictable conditions, translates into agile problem-solving when contract scopes evolve. Above all, integrity and dependability are central to the veteran ethos—precisely the values prized by federal buyers who depend on trusted, reliable partners.
Recognizing these strengths, the federal government actively champions veteran entrepreneurs via dedicated programs and procurement initiatives. Certifications such as Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) unlock access to exclusive set-aside contracts and sole-source opportunities. Agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) prioritize awarding contracts to veteran-led suppliers, and prime contractors must frequently integrate veteran subcontractors into their teams. These initiatives not only honor service but reinforce the resilience and integrity of the federal supplier ecosystem.
Veterans who are ready to pursue federal contracts should start with careful preparation:
- Registration in SAM.gov (the federal government’s official vendor database) is the initial step.
- Securing the VOSB or SDVOSB certification through the SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification program is a key milestone.
- Developing a robust capability statement that clearly articulates business offerings, differentiators, and proven performance will position the company for agency engagement.
- Cultivating relationships with contracting officers, primes, and other veteran businesses can also yield strategic opportunities.
Partnering with an advisory team like FEDCON offers a proven edge: our experts guide veteran-owned businesses through every phase—from strategic planning and certification to bid development and compliance. accelerating readiness and increasing win rates in the federal space. Federal contracting presents a new arena to apply these strengths, enhancing America’s supply chain, driving modernization, and fostering sustainable growth.
At FEDCON, we are committed to ensuring veterans thrive as federal contractors. Your next chapter of service begins here. Visit our website or connect with our team to discover how we can help you transition from service to supplier and continue advancing your mission for years to come.
https://federalgovernment.info/vosb-government-contracting-with-fedcon
