Title:CVE Verification - One small step
Author:Marc Goldschmitt, PMP
Date:March 2014
The only thing that we have to fear is fear itself. - F.D Roosevelt
VA's Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) is VA's audits the ownership and control status of Veteran Owned and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses. This audit function is implemented through a review of owner and company financial and corporate documentation.
There are many myths and truths circulating concerning the need and process for CVE Verification. These usually take center stage in any discussions and forums about Verification and CVE. The truth is that these are generally policy and interpretation issues which are slow to change. Three of the most discussed issues include:
- Achieving verified status is, in some places, a potential discriminator that can facilitate selection as a prime or subcontractor.
- You can only do business with VA if you are verified.
- Verification is a difficult and complex process.
CVE Verification - To Be or Not To Be
For Veteran owned companies, it is important to understand when and why verification
is needed and when it is a nice to have. Too many times, I have seen hysteria about
the need for and process of obtaining V=CVE verification. To many of the veterans
I have spoken with, they believe that if they do not receive CVE verification they
will be put out of business.
CVE verification is not an end goal, nor should it be some intermediate way point that you must pass through on the path to riches. In the simplest of terms, CVE verification is little more than a checklist of Governance and operational documentation that demonstrates the tenets of ownership and control.
Getting ready for Verification
Preparing and collecting the documentation for submission is a relatively simple
process. Challenges and issues arise when the documentation does not exist or when
the company's business model differs from CVE's interpretations of ownership and
control.
The Basics and Checklist for the verification process:
Preparing for Verification
- Contact a Verification Assistance Counselor for guidance and support
- Review or create Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Entries
- Obtain DUNS number, if required
- Register in the System for Acquisition Management (SAM)
- Create a Vendor Information Pages Account and complete your business profile
- Review documentation submission requirements for Business Type
- Collect Documents
- Review Documents
- Update Documents
-
Identify Missing Documents
- Create required documents
- Create Explanation Why documents not required or not available
- Verify documents are consistent, current and complete
Initiating the Verification Process
- Log On to the VIP database to either register or update your Business
- Select and Complete the 0877 Form
- Enter in Owner/Member Names and ownership/Membership Interest and e-mails for all owners/members
- Notify Owners/Members to Expect 0877 Form to electronically sign
- Verify that all required electronic signatures are captured
Submit documentation
- Upload Documents and verify all required documents uploaded
- Submit the application
Receive confirmation from CVE that application has been submitted.
Promptly respond to inquiries for missing, additional or clarifying information.
If a pre-determination letter is received, review and either correct deficiencies or withdraw your application.
