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 for certified women-owned small businesses in eligible NAICS codes. The program includes a subcategory for economically disadvantaged women (EDWOSB), and current sole-source limits are $5.5 million for nonmanufacturing and $8.5 million for manufacturing.
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 capped at $5.5 million for nonmanufacturing NAICS codes and $8.5 million for manufacturing.
- The federal government targets 5% of all prime contract dollars for women-owned small businesses.
- Certification is required. Whenever practicable, SBA makes a decision within 90 calendar days after receiving a complete application.
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 (Other / Manufacturing) | $5.5M / $8.5M | $5.5M / $8.5M |
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. |
| Certification | Apply through MySBA Certifications. SBA also recognizes approved third-party certifiers when the firm submits its third-party certification and required citizenship documentation to SBA. |
How to Find WOSB Opportunities
From NAICS verification to pursuing eligible opportunities
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 MySBA Certifications with the documents listed for your business type. Whenever practicable, SBA makes its determination within 90 calendar days after receiving a complete package.
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 Gov Contract Finder 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.
WOSB program notes
- The government-wide WOSB goal is 5% of federal prime contracting dollars, although agency goals and actual opportunities vary.
- EDWOSB certification can open access to both EDWOSB and WOSB set-aside opportunities in the applicable NAICS codes.
- WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides are limited to SBA-designated NAICS codes, so eligibility depends on the NAICS code assigned to the acquisition.
- 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 MySBA Certifications. You will need to provide business formation documents, proof of U.S. citizenship, and documentation showing the woman owner manages day-to-day operations. EDWOSB applicants also provide the financial information required to demonstrate economic disadvantage. Whenever practicable, SBA makes its determination within 90 calendar days after receiving a complete package.
What is the WOSB sole-source contract limit?
Contracting officers can award eligible WOSB or EDWOSB sole-source contracts up to $5.5 million for nonmanufacturing NAICS codes and $8.5 million for manufacturing. Other FAR conditions also apply, including eligible NAICS codes, the absence of a reasonable expectation of two qualified offers, contractor responsibility, and 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 government-wide goal is to award at least 5% of federal prime contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses. It is a procurement goal, not a promise that 5% of every agency's opportunities or a particular contractor's addressable market will be WOSB set-asides.
Get help with your WOSB application
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