WOSB & EDWOSBContract Opportunities
The Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program provides set-aside contracts for women-owned businesses in industries where they are underrepresented. The government targets 5% of federal prime contract dollars for WOSBs.
Definition
What are WOSB contract opportunities? WOSB contract opportunities are federal set-asides reserved for women-owned small businesses in NAICS codes where women are underrepresented. The program includes a subcategory for economically disadvantaged women (EDWOSB), with sole-source awards up to $5 million for services and a 5% federal spending goal.
Key Takeaways
- WOSB set-asides are restricted to specific NAICS codes designated by the SBA where women are underrepresented.
- EDWOSB firms can compete for both EDWOSB and WOSB set-asides, providing access to a larger pool of opportunities.
- Sole-source awards are available up to $5 million for services and $7 million for manufacturing.
- The federal government targets 5% of all prime contract dollars for women-owned small businesses.
- SBA certification through certify.sba.gov is required. Applications are typically processed within 2 to 4 weeks.
WOSB vs. EDWOSB
Understanding the two tiers of the women-owned business program
| Factor | WOSB | EDWOSB |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 51% by women | 51% by women |
| Net Worth Limit | None | Below $850,000 |
| Income Limit | None | Avg. $400,000/3 yrs |
| Asset Limit | None | Below $6.5M |
| Eligible NAICS | Underrepresented | Substantially underrepresented |
| Can Bid WOSB Set-Asides | Yes | Yes |
| Can Bid EDWOSB Set-Asides | No | Yes |
| Sole-Source Threshold | $5M / $7M | $5M / $7M |
Eligibility Requirements
What your business needs to qualify for WOSB or EDWOSB certification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Size | Must qualify as a small business under SBA size standards for your primary NAICS code. |
| Ownership | At least 51% unconditionally and directly owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. |
| Management & Control | One or more women must manage the day-to-day operations and make long-term strategic decisions for the business. |
| NAICS Code | Business must operate in a NAICS code designated by the SBA for WOSB or EDWOSB set-asides. |
| Economic Disadvantage (EDWOSB only) | Woman owner personal net worth below $850,000, average adjusted gross income below $400,000 over 3 years, and total assets below $6.5 million. |
| SBA Certification | Must be certified through the SBA certify.sba.gov portal. Third-party certification is no longer accepted for federal set-asides. |
How to Find WOSB Opportunities
From NAICS verification to winning contracts
Confirm NAICS Code Eligibility
Check the SBA list of NAICS codes eligible for WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides. Only businesses in designated NAICS codes where women are underrepresented can compete for these set-asides. This is the most important first step.
Determine WOSB or EDWOSB Status
All women-owned small businesses may qualify for WOSB. If the woman owner also meets economic disadvantage criteria (net worth below $850,000, average income below $400,000), the business qualifies as EDWOSB, which opens up additional set-aside opportunities.
Apply for SBA Certification
Submit your application through certify.sba.gov with required documents including tax returns, financial statements, business formation documents, and proof of citizenship. The SBA reviews applications within 2 to 4 weeks.
Update Your SAM.gov Profile
Ensure your SAM.gov registration reflects your WOSB or EDWOSB certification. Update your eligible NAICS codes, capabilities narrative, and business type designations.
Search for WOSB/EDWOSB Set-Aside Opportunities
Filter contracts on SAM.gov or GCFinder by WOSB or EDWOSB set-aside type. Focus on your designated NAICS codes. Set up alerts for new WOSB postings matching your capabilities.
Engage Agency Small Business Offices
Connect with agency Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) representatives. Attend women-owned business matchmaking events and procurement conferences to build relationships with contracting officers.
Why WOSB Matters for Contractors
The 5% WOSB federal contracting goal is one of the highest set-aside targets, creating substantial demand for certified women-owned businesses across federal agencies.
EDWOSB certification opens access to both EDWOSB and WOSB set-aside opportunities, effectively doubling your eligible opportunity pool in designated NAICS codes.
The NAICS code restriction reduces competition further. Because set-asides are limited to specific industries, the number of eligible competitors is smaller than in programs like 8(a) or SDVOSB.
WOSB certification has no program term limit. As long as you maintain eligibility, you can compete for WOSB set-asides indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the WOSB and EDWOSB programs
What is the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?
WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) requires 51% ownership by women who are U.S. citizens. EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business) has the same ownership requirement plus the woman owner must have a personal net worth below $850,000 (excluding primary residence and business equity), adjusted gross income averaging $400,000 or less over 3 years, and total assets of $6.5 million or less. EDWOSB firms can compete for both EDWOSB and WOSB set-asides, while WOSB firms can only compete for WOSB set-asides.
Are WOSB set-asides available for all NAICS codes?
No. WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides are only available in specific NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are underrepresented or substantially underrepresented. The SBA publishes the list of eligible NAICS codes. EDWOSB set-asides are available in industries where women are substantially underrepresented, and WOSB set-asides are available where women are underrepresented. Check the SBA WOSB eligible NAICS codes list before pursuing WOSB set-aside contracts.
How do I get WOSB certified?
Apply through the SBA's certification portal at certify.sba.gov. You will need to provide business formation documents, tax returns, financial statements, proof of U.S. citizenship, and documentation showing the woman owner manages day-to-day operations. For EDWOSB, you will also need to provide personal financial information demonstrating economic disadvantage. The SBA typically processes applications within 2 to 4 weeks.
What is the WOSB sole-source contract limit?
Contracting officers can award sole-source contracts to WOSB and EDWOSB firms up to $5 million for services and $7 million for manufacturing. The contract must be in a NAICS code designated for the WOSB program, and the contracting officer must determine that the award can be made at a fair and reasonable price.
Can a woman-owned business also qualify for 8(a) or HUBZone?
Yes. A woman-owned business can hold multiple certifications simultaneously. If the owner is socially and economically disadvantaged, the business may qualify for both WOSB and 8(a). If the business is in a HUBZone, it can hold both WOSB and HUBZone certifications. Multiple certifications expand your eligible opportunity pool.
What is the 5% federal contracting goal for women-owned businesses?
The federal government has a statutory goal to award at least 5% of all federal prime contract dollars to women-owned small businesses. This goal applies across all federal agencies. Agencies that fall short of the 5% goal are required to develop strategies to increase awards to women-owned businesses in subsequent fiscal years.
Find WOSB Set-Aside Contracts
Search live WOSB and EDWOSB opportunities, get alerts, and track deadlines with GCFinder.