This bill, known as the "Veterans Affairs Opportunity for Small Businesses Act of 2026," aims to modify the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) procurement hierarchy of small business preferences. The primary objective is to strengthen the priority given to veteran-owned small businesses in VA contracting opportunities. Specifically, the legislation amends title 38, United States Code, by removing a provision that previously stated VA's veteran-owned small business preferences would not alter other small business priorities. This change could significantly elevate the standing of veteran-owned businesses within the VA's contracting process, potentially giving them precedence over other general small business categories. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the definition of a "small business concern owned and controlled by veterans" for VA contracts must be established under the Small Business Act , ensuring consistent eligibility criteria.
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Timeline
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Armed Forces and National Security
Veterans Affairs Opportunity for Small Businesses Act of 2026
USA119th CongressS-3896| Senate
| Updated: 2/24/2026
This bill, known as the "Veterans Affairs Opportunity for Small Businesses Act of 2026," aims to modify the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) procurement hierarchy of small business preferences. The primary objective is to strengthen the priority given to veteran-owned small businesses in VA contracting opportunities. Specifically, the legislation amends title 38, United States Code, by removing a provision that previously stated VA's veteran-owned small business preferences would not alter other small business priorities. This change could significantly elevate the standing of veteran-owned businesses within the VA's contracting process, potentially giving them precedence over other general small business categories. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the definition of a "small business concern owned and controlled by veterans" for VA contracts must be established under the Small Business Act , ensuring consistent eligibility criteria.