The Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program lets contracting officers set aside contracts for WOSBs in industries where SBA has found women-owned businesses are underrepresented. The government has a statutory goal for prime contract dollars awarded to women-owned small businesses.
Who qualifies
- A small business under the solicitation's NAICS size standard.
- At least 51% unconditionally and directly owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.
- Women manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions.
Certification
Self-certification is no longer accepted. Get certified through MySBA Certifications or an SBA-approved third-party certifier, and keep your status current in SAM.gov.
Eligible industries
WOSB set-asides can only be used for NAICS codes SBA has designated as eligible. Check SBA's list of eligible NAICS codes on the program page before counting on a WOSB set-aside in your industry.
Details: SBA WOSB program and 13 CFR Part 127. See also EDWOSB.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change — always check the solicitation and the official sources linked here.