Women-Owned Small Business(WOSB)
A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women, eligible for federal set-aside contracts in underrepresented industries.
Overview
The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program authorizes contracting officers to set aside contracts for competition exclusively among WOSBs in industries where women are underrepresented or substantially underrepresented. The program aims to expand opportunities for women business owners in the federal marketplace.
Why It Matters in GovCon
The federal government has a goal of awarding 5% of all prime contracting dollars to WOSBs. Certification opens access to both competitive set-asides and sole-source contracts. For women-owned businesses, this certification is one of the most direct paths to federal contracting opportunities.
Key Details
- Eligibility: At least 51% owned and unconditionally controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. The business must be small under the applicable NAICS code size standard.
- Certification: Must be certified through SBA or an SBA-approved third-party certifier.
- NAICS Restrictions: Set-asides are limited to industries identified by SBA as underrepresented for women.
- Sole-Source: Available for WOSBs up to $4.5 million for services and $7 million for manufacturing in substantially underrepresented industries.
- EDWOSB: A subset with additional sole-source authority for economically disadvantaged women owners.
- 5% Goal: Government-wide target for WOSB prime contract awards.
How GovCon Data Can Help
Filter federal opportunities by WOSB set-aside to build a targeted pipeline. GovCon Data shows which NAICS codes are eligible for WOSB set-asides so you know exactly where to compete.
Related Terms
- Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Set-Aside
- 8(a) Business Development Program
More Programs Terms
An SBA program that helps small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete for federal contracts.
A subcategory of WOSB for women-owned small businesses where the owners are also economically disadvantaged, eligible for additional sole-source contracts.
An SBA program that gives preferential access to federal contracts for small businesses located in economically distressed areas.
A program pairing large experienced contractors with small businesses to help them build capabilities through joint ventures, subcontracting, and technical assistance.
A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans with a service-connected disability, eligible for federal set-aside contracts.
A government-to-government program where the U.S. sells defense articles and services to allied nations.
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