Contract Our Veterans Act

Full Title:
Contract Our Veterans Act of 2026

Summary#

This bill adds a new section to the Small Business Act focused on small businesses owned and controlled by veterans. It creates section 36B and lets contracting officers: award sole‑source contracts to veteran‑owned small businesses when the business is a responsible source, the price fits limits in section 36(c)(2), and the price is fair and offers best value; and run competitions limited only to veteran‑owned small businesses when they expect two or more offers and can get a fair, best‑value price. The bill requires a veteran‑owned small business and its veteran owner to be listed in the SBA database in section 36(f)(1) to be eligible. It also adds a governmentwide participation goal: at least 5 percent of the total value of prime and subcontract awards each fiscal year for veteran‑owned small businesses. Finally, the bill updates many parts of the Small Business Act and related SBA programs so veteran‑owned small businesses are included in reporting, scorecards, mentor‑protege lists, contracting offices, and subcontracting rules.

What it means for you#

  • Veteran‑owned small businesses: May get new contracting paths, including sole‑source awards and competitions limited to veteran‑owned firms, but must be listed in the required SBA database to take part.
  • Federal contracting officers: Have a new statutory option to use sole‑source awards and restricted competitions for veteran‑owned firms under specific conditions and must track and report awards toward the 5% goal.
  • General public and oversight bodies: The bill sets a measurable 5% participation goal and adds more detailed reporting items related to awards to veteran‑owned small businesses.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill text shows the sponsors want to increase participation by small businesses owned and controlled by veterans in federal contracting. It adds a 5% governmentwide goal, creates a new contracting authority for veteran‑owned small businesses, and adds reporting and program coverage for such firms.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.