VIP FAQs
- 1. I registered in VIP yesterday. Where is my company listed? Why can’t I see my profile?
- 2. I’m trying to update my profile and every time I hit the update button I get an error message.
- 3. I’m registered in VIP, but the contact person that I had in there has changed. How can I get into the database to make the changes?
- 4. What is a DUNS number and why do I need one?
- 5. I’m trying to register my company and it won’t let me get past the “Am I eligible” screen. Help!
- 6. I only want to find companies that are physically located in my state and when I enter state for the search, I get companies from all over the US. Is your database defective? Why doesn’t your state search work?
- 7. I lost my password. How do I get a new one?
- 8. It says, “that this e-mail address is already in use”. What do I do?
- 9. How do I search for a business?
- 10. When I search for XYZ company, they are not listed. But when I search by DUNS, they are listed. Why is that?
- 11. What does FSC, PSC, NAICS, Cage Code stand for and where can I find it?
- 12. Why should I register in the VIP database?
- 13. How does the VIP database help me as a Veteran business owner?
- 14. How will this database increase my contracting opportunities?
- 15. How long will it take to get approved once I register?
- 16. How many NAICS codes can I enter?
I registered in VIP yesterday. Where is my company listed? Why can’t I see my profile?
Once you enter your complete company information, the database manager reviews your profile to see that it has been assigned a CVE control number, that there is complete and accurate contact information. If your business profile can not be found within three business days please call 866-584-2344 ext 5248 for assistance.
I’m trying to update my profile and every time I hit the update button I get an error message.
We have been having intermittent problems with the database as new features are being added. Please send an email to kelsey.mortimer@va.gov outlining all the changes that need to be made to your profile, and they will be made for you if you continue to have problems.
I’m registered in VIP, but the contact person that I had in there has changed. How can I get into the database to make the changes?
Please call 866-584-2344 ext 5248 for assistance.
What is a DUNS number and why do I need one?
Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) provides a
Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S)
Number, a unique nine digit identification number, for each physical location of your business. D-U-N-S Number assignment is FREE for all businesses required to register with the US Federal government for contracts or grants. To request a free DUNS Number click here.
I’m trying to register my company and it won’t let me get past the “Am I eligible” screen. Help!
The eligibility screen is set up so that you are required to check ALL boxes that apply. For example, if you are a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) all boxes should be checked.
I only want to find companies that are physically located in my state and when I enter state for the search, I get companies from all over the US. Is your database defective? Why doesn’t your state search work?
The Vendor Information Pages is designed to give Veteran-owned businesses the widest possible exposure, and therefore when you do a state search all companies that do business in that state appear. To view businesses in a specific state, do a search by state, and then click on the state column to sort by state.
I lost my password. How do I get a new one?
When you go to the “update my profile” page, just click on “Forgot my password” and a new one will be sent to the email address listed.
It says, “that this e-mail address is already in use”. What do I do?
This means that you have probably used this email address to previously register. In this case, try to update your profile instead of registering again.
How do I search for a business?
Searching for a Veteran-owned business is quick and easy. Just go to www.vip.vetbiz.gov and click on “Search for a Business.” You can search by a number of parameters either in the quick search or narrow your search in the advanced search.
When I search for XYZ company, they are not listed. But when I search by DUNS, they are listed. Why is that?
The search feature finds the exact match to what you have typed in. If the business you are searching for has been entered differently than they way you typed in the company name, you will not get a match. A good idea is to type in the first part of the business name only. For example: if you are looking for Veteran’s Computer Business, type in only “Veteran” to get all matches that start with that. This would eliminate the need to know if the apostrophe is included in the way the business registered.
What does FSC, PSC, NAICS, Cage Code stand for and where can I find it?
These are all different types of codes used by the Federal government for identifying products and services. A complete overview of all the acronyms can be found here. To search for your business’ codes click the link on the left hand side of the form.
Why should I register in the VIP database?
VetBiz VIP is for all Veteran-owned small businesses. This database is available to everyone who wants to "Buy Veteran." You do not need to be in Federal contracting to participate in this online information source.
How does the VIP database help me as a Veteran business owner?
The Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) informed all Federal agencies that VetBiz VIP should be the first source for finding Veterans in business. The Administrator of the Small Business Administration and Acting Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy jointly issued a memorandum for the heads of executive departments and agencies encouraging agencies to focus contracting efforts on small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled Veterans and to inform them of VA's efforts to assist them by the creation of VIP and some new tools that will assist agencies in this effort.
How will this database increase my contracting opportunities?
The Office of Federal Procurement Policy informed all Federal agencies that VetBiz VIP should be the first source for finding Veterans in business. By registering the information, the business can be informed about any changes and procurement regulations and laws associated with Veteran-owner or service-disabled Veteran-owned business goals and regulations. In addition, one of the benefits of registering is priority consideration by government contract officers.
How long will it take to get approved once I register?
It typically takes two business days before your business is approved.
How many NAICS codes can I enter?
Up to 20.
