What Is WOSB Certification?
The WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) federal contracting program reserves specific contracts for women-owned businesses in industries where women are underrepresented. The federal government has a statutory goal of awarding 5% of all federal prime contracts to WOSBs annually.
WOSB vs EDWOSB
| Certification | Who Qualifies | Set-Aside Access |
|---|---|---|
| WOSB | Women-owned small businesses in underrepresented industries | WOSB set-asides |
| EDWOSB | Economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses | WOSB + EDWOSB set-asides (broader access) |
WOSB Eligibility Requirements
- Small business under applicable NAICS size standard
- 51%+ unconditionally owned by one or more women who are US citizens
- Management and daily operations controlled by women owners
- For EDWOSB: personal net worth under $850,000, adjusted gross income under $400,000 average over 3 years, personal assets under $6.5M
How to Apply for WOSB
- Confirm eligibility — ownership, control, size standard
- Gather documentation — articles of incorporation, operating agreement, personal financial statements (for EDWOSB)
- Apply at certify.sba.gov — the MySBA Certification portal
- SBA review — typically 30-60 days
- Annual recertification required
Which Industries Have WOSB Set-Asides?
WOSB set-asides are available in industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented or substantially underrepresented. SBA publishes a list of qualifying NAICS codes. Common qualifying industries include construction, engineering, IT services, professional services, and healthcare.
WOSB Sole-Source Awards
WOSB and EDWOSB firms can receive sole-source contracts (no competition) up to:
- $4.5M for most industries
- $7M for manufacturing
How to Use WOSB Status Effectively
- Register your WOSB status in SAM.gov immediately after certification
- Update your DSBS profile to highlight WOSB certification
- Target agencies with strong WOSB spending history — HHS, VA, DoD
- Respond to Sources Sought notices as a WOSB to influence set-aside decisions
GovCon Media Mosiac provides WOSB and EDWOSB certification consulting — eligibility assessment, application support, and post-certification business development. Book a free consultation.