If you’re a veteran entrepreneur looking to take your business to the next level, government contracts can be a powerful catalyst. These contracts provide stable, high-value opportunities and align your business with meaningful projects. Among the most significant options available is the Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology Next Generation (T4NG) program, managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

What makes T4NG particularly impactful? It not only focuses on delivering innovative IT and healthcare technology solutions but also places a strong emphasis on supporting veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (VOSBs and SDVOSBs). With billions of dollars in contracts up for grabs, T4NG is a game-changer for veteran entrepreneurs ready to grow their businesses and make a meaningful impact.

In this blog, you’ll discover what the T4NG program is, how it benefits veteran-owned businesses, and the steps you need to take to tap into its opportunities.

What Is the T4NG Program?
The Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology Next Generation (T4NG) program is a contract vehicle designed to streamline the acquisition of innovative IT and health IT services for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It enables the VA to better serve veterans by modernising its systems, enhancing cybersecurity, and improving overall operational efficiency.

Key Focus Areas
T4NG covers a broad range of IT services, including:

Systems and Software Engineering: Developing custom solutions to meet the VA’s evolving needs.
Cybersecurity: Protecting sensitive data and ensuring the security of veteran services.
Program Management: Delivering projects on time and within budget.
Operations and Maintenance: Keeping critical systems running smoothly.
Why It Matters for Veteran-Owned Businesses

What sets T4NG apart is its commitment to including VOSBs and SDVOSBs in federal contracting opportunities. In its first iteration, T4NG awarded contracts worth up to $22.3 billion, with a significant percentage reserved for veteran-owned businesses. This emphasis continues in the next generation of the program, T4NG2, which is valued at $60.7 billion.

By participating in T4NG, veteran entrepreneurs not only gain access to lucrative contracts but also have the chance to work on meaningful projects that directly benefit the veteran community.

Benefits of T4NG for Veteran-Owned Businesses
Participating in the T4NG program isn’t just about securing contracts—it’s about leveraging unique opportunities that can drive growth, build credibility, and create meaningful impact. Here’s how T4NG can benefit veteran-owned businesses:

Exclusive Access to Lucrative Contracts

1. The VA prioritizes working with Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). In fact, the T4NG program sets aside a significant portion of its contracts specifically for these groups. This gives veteran entrepreneurs a competitive edge, ensuring greater access to projects with substantial budgets.
2. Long-Term Revenue Opportunities
   T4NG is an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle. This means businesses awarded contracts can provide services across multiple projects over several years, creating a consistent revenue stream and fostering long-term business stability.
3. Strengthened Credibility
   Winning a contract under the T4NG program isn’t just financially rewarding—it also bolsters your business’s reputation. Working directly with the VA positions your company as a reliable, capable partner in the federal marketplace, which can open doors to additional contracts and partnerships.
4. Contributing to the Veteran Community
   By participating in T4NG, you’re contributing to a mission that directly supports veterans. Whether it’s improving healthcare systems or enhancing service delivery, your work will have a direct and positive impact on fellow veterans.
5. Networking and Subcontracting Opportunities
   Even if you don’t win a prime contract, T4NG offers valuable subcontracting opportunities. Partnering with larger contractors in the program helps veteran-owned businesses gain experience, build capacity, and establish relationships within the federal contracting ecosystem.

How to Qualify for T4NG Opportunities

To tap into the opportunities offered by the T4NG program, veteran-owned businesses must meet specific eligibility criteria and navigate the application process. Here’s how to qualify:

1. Obtain Certification as a VOSB or SDVOSB
   The first step is to ensure your business is certified as a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) through the VA’s Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE).

Steps to Certification:

Verify Ownership: Your business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a veteran or service-disabled veteran.
Submit Documentation: Provide required documents such as proof of service, proof of disability (if applicable), and business ownership records.
Apply Online: Submit your application through the CVE portal on the VA’s website. Certification typically takes 30–90 days.

Register Your Business in SAM
All businesses seeking federal contracts must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at sam.gov.

Steps to Register in SAM:

Create an account and log in.

Provide details about your business, including your DUNS number, NAICS codes, and bank information.

Complete the Representations and Certifications section, confirming your eligibility for small business set-asides.

Familiarize Yourself with T4NG Requirements
The T4NG program is a highly competitive contract vehicle. To increase your chances of success:

Understand VA Priorities: Review the VA’s strategic goals and T4NG program details to align your services with their needs.
Tailor Your Capabilities: Focus on key areas like program management, systems engineering, and cybersecurity.

Build Relationships with Prime Contractors
Many veteran-owned businesses enter the T4NG program as subcontractors before becoming prime contractors. Partnering with established companies helps you:

Gain valuable experience in federal contracting.
Expand your network within the industry.
Strengthen your business’s track record.

Monitor Contract Opportunities
Regularly check the VA’s Office of Procurement, Acquisition, and Logistics (OPAL) website and the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) portal at sam.gov for T4NG contract announcements.

Prepare a Strong Proposal
When bidding for a T4NG contract, your proposal should:

Clearly outline your capabilities and how they meet the VA’s needs.
Highlight your experience with similar projects, especially those that align with the T4NG focus areas.
Emphasise your veteran-owned business status and any certifications.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-positioned to qualify for T4NG opportunities and compete effectively for contracts that can elevate your business.

Building a Winning Strategy for T4NG Success
Qualifying for T4NG opportunities is just the beginning. To truly capitalise on the program, you’ll need a strategic approach to stand out and secure contracts. Here are actionable steps to maximise your chances of success:

Highlight Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)
T4NG contracts are highly competitive, so it’s essential to clearly communicate what sets your business apart.

Key Areas to Emphasise:

Veteran Expertise: Showcase how your military background gives you an edge, such as problem-solving, discipline, or leadership.
Specialised Skills: Highlight specific capabilities in IT, cybersecurity, program management, or other T4NG focus areas.
Proven Impact: Include data or case studies demonstrating your past successes, especially with government or VA-related projects.

Leverage Networking and Partnerships
Establishing strong relationships can be the difference between winning and missing out on contracts.

Attend Industry Events: Participate in VA-hosted conferences and procurement fairs to connect with decision-makers and prime contractors.
Collaborate with Established Contractors: Partner with larger businesses already participating in T4NG as a subcontractor, gaining experience and visibility.
Join Veteran-Focused

Business Networks: Organisations like the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) provide networking opportunities and resources.

3. Build a Team of Experts
   T4NG projects often require advanced technical expertise. Having a team that aligns with the VA’s requirements will strengthen your proposal.

Upskill Your Team: Invest in training to ensure your staff is certified in relevant areas, such as project management or cybersecurity.
Hire Strategically: Consider hiring subject matter experts with experience in federal contracts or healthcare IT.

Write a Standout Proposal
A strong proposal is critical to winning a T4NG contract. Make sure it:

Meets All Requirements: Carefully review the solicitation to address every detail in the scope of work.
Includes a Clear Plan: Outline how your business will deliver results on time and within budget.
Demonstrates Your Commitment: Emphasise your understanding of the VA’s mission and how your business contributes to improving veteran services.

Stay Persistent
Winning a federal contract can take time and multiple attempts. Even if your first bid isn’t successful:

Seek feedback from the VA or prime contractors to improve future proposals.
Keep refining your capabilities and approach to match the VA’s evolving needs.
Continue building relationships to expand your network and reputation.

By combining clear messaging, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to excellence, you can position your business for long-term success in the T4NG program.

Conclusion: Take the Leap Into T4NG Opportunities

The T4NG program offers an unparalleled opportunity for veteran-owned businesses to grow, gain stability, and make a meaningful impact. By providing access to billions of dollars in government contracts, T4NG doesn’t just support veteran entrepreneurs—it amplifies their ability to contribute to a mission that serves veterans nationwide.

While the path to winning a T4NG contract requires preparation, persistence, and strategy, the rewards are worth the effort. By leveraging your veteran status, obtaining the right certifications, building strong partnerships, and crafting standout proposals, you can position your business to thrive in this competitive landscape.

• Take the next step by exploring certifications, networking with T4NG participants, and preparing to showcase how your business can deliver innovative solutions. With the right approach, the T4NG program can be the launchpad for your business’s next chapter of success.

References
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology Next Generation (T4NG)

Overview of the T4NG program, its goals, and focus areas.
Website: https://www.va.gov/opal/tac/t4ng.asp
System for Award Management (SAM)

Registration portal for federal contractors.
Website: https://sam.gov
Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE)

Details on VOSB and SDVOSB certifications and eligibility requirements.
Website: https://www.va.gov/osdbu/verification
GovConWire: T4NG2 Contract Vehicle Overview

Insights into the $60.7 billion T4NG2 initiative and its opportunities for veteran-owned businesses.
Article: https://www.govconwire.com/2023/11/va-selects-30-vendors-for-potential-61b-t4ng2-it-services-contract-vehicle/
National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC)

Networking and advocacy resources for veteran-owned small businesses.
Website: https://www.nvsbc.org
VA Newsroom: Initial T4NG Contract Awards

Details on the original T4NG contracts and their impact on veteran-owned businesses.
Article: https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-makes-awards-totaling-up-to-22-3-billion-to-make-information-technology-upgrades/