WOSB government contracts for woman-owned small businesses

The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program provides certified woman-owned businesses with access to set-aside federal contracts in industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented. It is one of the most widely applicable socioeconomic set-aside programs, covering a broad range of service, construction, and technology NAICS codes.

Understanding how WOSB certification works — and how to use it strategically — is essential for woman-owned businesses pursuing government contracting.

WOSB vs. EDWOSB

The program has two tiers:

WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) — Available in specific NAICS codes designated by the SBA as industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented. Contracting officers can set aside contracts specifically for WOSB competitors in these designated codes.

EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business) — A subset of WOSB with an additional economic disadvantage requirement (similar to the 8(a) standard). EDWOSB-certified businesses can compete for both EDWOSB and WOSB set-asides, making EDWOSB the stronger designation. EDWOSB is available in a broader range of NAICS codes.

Basic eligibility requirements

To qualify for WOSB certification, a business must:

• Be small — qualify as a small business under SBA size standards for the relevant NAICS code
• Be majority woman-owned — at least 51% unconditionally and directly owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens
• Be managed by a woman — a woman must control the management and daily operations of the business, serve as the highest-ranking officer, and hold the most senior position in the business
• Be a for-profit business — organized for profit and registered to do business in the U.S.

For EDWOSB, the economically disadvantaged woman owner must also meet personal net worth, income, and asset thresholds similar to those for the 8(a) program.

The certification process

WOSB and EDWOSB certification is now required to be obtained through the SBA's certification program at certify.sba.gov. Third-party self-certification was eliminated; businesses must receive official SBA certification to claim WOSB or EDWOSB status on federal contracts.

The application requires documentation of ownership and control, business formation documents, operating agreements or bylaws, and financial information for EDWOSB applicants.

Which NAICS codes are eligible

The SBA publishes a list of NAICS codes in which women-owned businesses are deemed substantially underrepresented (EDWOSB-eligible) or underrepresented (WOSB-eligible). The list is updated periodically based on federal procurement data.

Not all NAICS codes are covered by the WOSB program. Before pursuing a WOSB or EDWOSB set-aside, verify that the NAICS code associated with the opportunity is on the eligible list for your certification type.

Contract value thresholds

WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides have contract value thresholds. Contracting officers generally use set-aside authority for contracts that would not exceed $4 million in anticipated value for most industries, and $6.5 million for manufacturing. Above these thresholds, set-aside procedures may differ. Sole-source WOSB awards are also possible under specific circumstances and thresholds.

Building a pursuit strategy around WOSB certification

Certification creates opportunity — but only when combined with capability. A strong WOSB pursuit strategy includes:

• Identifying the NAICS codes your business is registered in that appear on the SBA's WOSB or EDWOSB eligible list
• Monitoring active solicitations with WOSB or EDWOSB set-aside designations in those codes
• Building past performance in smaller contracts that establish credibility for larger WOSB set-aside opportunities
• Connecting with agencies that have active WOSB contracting goals — particularly civilian agencies with high service contract volume