Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracts
The Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program aims to increase federal contracting opportunities for WOSBs in industries where they are underrepresented. Contracting officers can set aside contracts for certified WOSBs and EDWOSBs in specific NAICS codes identified through SBA research. With the government's 5% contracting goal for WOSBs, this program opens significant doors for qualified women entrepreneurs.
How the WOSB Program Works
The WOSB program authorizes contracting officers to set aside procurements for certified WOSBs in NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are underrepresented. EDWOSB set-asides are available in a broader range of codes, covering industries where women are substantially underrepresented.
To be eligible, the business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. The women owners must manage the day-to-day operations. For EDWOSB status, the qualifying women owners must also meet economic disadvantage criteria including a personal net worth cap of $750,000.
Finding WOSB Opportunities
WOSB set-asides appear across multiple agencies and span industries from IT services to construction. Filter contract search results by the WOSB or EDWOSB set-aside designation to find opportunities specifically available to your certification.
The SBA maintains a list of eligible NAICS codes for WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides. Before pursuing an opportunity, verify that the solicitation's NAICS code is on the eligible list for your certification level. EDWOSB-eligible codes are a superset of WOSB-eligible codes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?
Both require 51% ownership and control by women. EDWOSB has additional economic disadvantage criteria (personal net worth under $750,000). EDWOSB certification opens access to more NAICS codes for set-aside contracts.
Which NAICS codes are eligible for WOSB set-asides?
The SBA designates specific NAICS codes as eligible based on studies of industry representation. Over 300 codes are eligible for EDWOSB set-asides, and a subset are eligible for WOSB set-asides. The full list is available on the SBA website.
How do I get WOSB certified?
Certification is obtained through the SBA's online certification portal at certify.sba.gov. You'll need to submit documentation proving ownership, control, citizenship, and (for EDWOSB) economic disadvantage. Third-party certifier pathways have been phased out in favor of SBA direct certification.
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