VIP Programs Guide

Overview

The Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) Program offers training programs specifically designed for Veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) looking to excel in government contracting.

Federal Procurement Training Designed for Veteran Entrepreneurs

VIP training programs are designed to teach Veteran-owned small businesses how to increase their ability to win and manage government contracts. Continue to explore why VOSBs and SDVOSBs choose VIP training:

Learn industry best practices
Classes taught by industry experts
Proven to accelerate success
NO COST for Veterans to attend

And it’s working! Over $37 billion and counting in federal prime contract awards to VIP Grads

If you’re a Veteran entrepreneur with an interest in government contracting, the VIP program can help you gain clarity and achieve your goals. Participation in the program will kickstart your journey and propel you toward success.

The VIP Program includes six key training programs tailored to different stages of business development:

VIP START – Entry into the federal marketplace.
VIP GROW – Scaling and maintaining federal contracts.
VIP ADVANCE – Sustained growth and business expansion.
VIP INTERNATIONAL – Expanding business overseas.
VIP AEROSPACE – Success in the aerospace sector.
VIP COMMERCIAL – Navigating the complexities of commercial contracting.

Each program is led by subject matter experts and provides real-world strategies for Veteran-owned businesses to succeed in federal and commercial sectors.

1. VIP START – Entering the Federal Marketplace

This program is designed for Veteran-owned small businesses looking to enter or expand in the federal market. The curriculum provides valuable insights and risk mitigation strategies to ensure procurement success.

Eligibility Requirements:

Owner, principal, or C-level executive of a for-profit Veteran-owned small business.
Company has been in business for at least 1 year.
Company has a live website and is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
The company generated revenue in the past year, and the owner is working full-time.

Sample Curriculum:

Federal Market Strategic Planning.
Compliance in Federal Contracting.
Accounting, Budgets, and Rates Development.
Cybersecurity.
Contracting (Subcontracting, RFPs, RFIs).
Business Development and Proposal Writing.

Application Link: VIP START Application

2. VIP GROW – Scaling Success in Federal Contracting

VIP GROW helps Veteran-owned small businesses accelerate their success in the federal marketplace through hands-on, market-driven training. Participants will gain the skills needed to win and maintain government contracts.

Eligibility Requirements:

Owner, principal, or C-level executive of a for-profit Veteran-owned small business.
Company has been in business for at least 2 years with 3+ full-time employees.
Experience in federal government contracts and SAM.gov registration.

Sample Curriculum:

Compliance, Joint Ventures, and Subcontracting.
Cybersecurity.
Proposal Writing and Capture Management.
Human Capital Management.
Supply Chain Management for Primes and Subs.

Application Link: VIP GROW Application

3. VIP ADVANCE – Sustained Growth and Market Expansion

VIP ADVANCE is for businesses looking to achieve long-term growth, enter new markets, or prepare for acquisition or public offering. The program focuses on advanced strategies for scaling your company.

Eligibility Requirements:

Owner, principal, or C-level executive of a for-profit Veteran-owned small business.
Company has been in business for at least 5 years with $10M+ annual revenue.
Experience as a prime contractor or in bidding for prime contracts.

Sample Curriculum:

Operational Strategies and Process Development.
Human Capital Investments.
Identifying Sustainable Growth Opportunities.
Financial Planning for Growth.

Application Link: VIP ADVANCE Application

4. VIP INTERNATIONAL – Federal and Commercial Contracts Abroad

This program is aimed at Veteran-owned small businesses looking to expand into international markets. VIP INTERNATIONAL provides the knowledge to secure overseas contracts and manage long-term success.

Eligibility Requirements:

Owner, principal, or C-level executive of a for-profit Veteran-owned small business.
Company has been in business for at least 3 years with 3+ full-time employees.
Experience in federal government contracts.

Sample Curriculum:

Legal Considerations for OCONUS Contracts.
Export Concerns and Risk Management.
International Licensing (EAR/ITAR).
Proposal Development and Market Analysis.

Application Link: VIP INTERNATIONAL Application

5. VIP AEROSPACE – Success in the Aerospace Market

VIP AEROSPACE accelerates the success of Veteran-owned small businesses in the aerospace market by providing a hands-on, market-based approach to contracting and certifications.

Eligibility Requirements:

Owner, principal, or C-level executive of a for-profit Veteran-owned small business.
Company has been in business for at least 3 years with 3+ full-time employees.
Service or product aligns with the aerospace market.

Sample Curriculum:

Strategic Planning and Operational Controls.
Contracting Acquisitions and Certifications.
Supply Chain Management and Pricing.
Mergers & Acquisitions in Aerospace.

Application Link: VIP AEROSPACE Application

6. VIP COMMERCIAL – Navigating Commercial Contracting

This program equips Veteran-owned small businesses with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the commercial sector, focusing on real-world strategies and best practices for success.

Eligibility Requirements:

Owner, principal, or C-level executive of a for-profit Veteran-owned small business.
Company has been in business for at least 3 years with $3M+ annual revenue.

Sample Curriculum:

Legal and Financial Strategies.
Supplier Diversity and Personnel Management.
Business Development and Growth Strategies.

Application Link: VIP COMMERCIAL Application

Attendance and Cancellation Policy

Full Attendance: Full participation is required to graduate. Missing more than 3 hours of the session will result in termination of enrollment, and a cancellation fee will be charged.
Cancellation Fee: Upon acceptance into the program, a credit card is required to secure your spot. No charges will apply unless you cancel after the deadline provided in your acceptance email. The cancellation fee is $1,000.