Where do SDVOSB set asides actually get posted, beyond what I can filter on SAM.gov?

Most federal agencies post their set-aside opportunities, including SDVOSB set-asides, on SAM.gov because proposed contract actions expected to exceed $25,000 must be synopsized there. While the VA does have its own specific rules and priorities for veteran-owned businesses, other agencies also use the SDVOSB set-aside authority. What you are seeing with the VA is a reflection of their mission and the Veterans First Contracting Program, which gives priority to SDVOSBs and VOSBs for VA procurements. For other agencies, the contracting officer will set aside an acquisition for SDVOSBs when there is a reasonable expectation of offers from at least two responsible SDVOSB concerns and an award can be made at fair market prices, similar to the Rule of Two for small businesses. You are right to respond to sources sought notices because these are often used by agencies to gauge the market and determine if there are enough interested small businesses, including SDVOSBs, to justify a set-aside. An SDVOSB sole source award is allowed when the anticipated price including options will not exceed $5 million for most NAICS codes, and since January 1, 2024, only an SBA-certified SDVOSB designated in SAM may receive one.