SDVOSB and Size Bid Protests
It feels personal to question another firm’s status or size, but the reality is it’s a business decision. Only firms that meet the eligibility requirements may receive a set-aside, and if you have good faith reasons why a non-eligible firm took an award from you, you have the right to protest. On the flip side, you may find yourself defending a protest lodged by a disappointed competitor.
I have prosecuted and defended numerous SDVOSB and size status protests, addressing issues such as:
- Veteran control of a firm (dependence on non-veteran, control over firm decisions, managerial experience, technical expertise, corporate structure issues)
- Veteran ownership of a firm (trusts, ownership provisions, direct and unconditional ownership requirements)
- Subcontractor affiliation
- Joint venture issues and eligibility
- Affiliation based on relationships.
With respect to SDVOSB issues specifically, since the inception of the VA’s verification process under the Veterans First Contracting Program, I have assisted veteran companies with eligibility issues. (In fact, I wrote the handbook). This work directly translates to not only winning SDVOSB protests, but also fighting against them. I have encountered almost every issue, and every factual situation that may arise, and this gives me the ability to protect your interests to the greatest degree possible. If you feel you have lost out on an award to a firm that does not meet the requirements, or your status or size has been questioned, give me a call at (703) 552-3220. I do not charge for assessments, which I want to say up front. (My father was a veteran business owner himself, and he hated never knowing if he was getting a bill for a call with his lawyer).
Here is what a few of my veteran clients have to say about my size/status protest services:
“Sarah has assisted my SDVOSB on numerous GAO and SBA OHA protests, and I’ve been very happy with the results, including sustained protests and protecting my rights to contracts. Sarah always explains the legal bases and strategies in a way that is understandable, keeping me informed every step of the way. As a small business owner who works hard to make my company successful, I also appreciate her zealousness–I know that Sarah gives me 100% of her effort, and it shows.” -Kelvin Smith, Owner of KTS Solutions, Inc.
“VetPride Services is a family owned SDVOB company that has used Sarah for many years now in defending and pursing SDVOB and GAO protests. We have been extremely happy with her results and her tenacity in defending our rights. She helps us understand the legal issues and keeps us informed every step of the way and makes sure it’s cost effective for small companies. In addition to being extremely knowledgeable and effective at what she does, she cares about her clients and what she does, and it absolutely shows. We value the great working we have with Sarah and appreciate all the support she lends to VetPride.” Roger Pierce, Owner of VetPride Services, Inc.
