Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program

Grant Overview

Donor: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

About: The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program aims to increase federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses. The program seeks to award at least 5% of federal contracting dollars to women-owned businesses annually. Through this initiative, the SBA provides support to women entrepreneurs by offering business training, counseling, federal contracts, and access to credit and capital. The goal is to create equal opportunities for women in business.

The WOSB Federal Contracting Program is designed to level the playing field for women business owners by limiting competition for certain federal contracts to businesses participating in the program. These contracts are reserved for industries where women-owned small businesses are underrepresented, as identified by specific NAICS codes. Some contracts are further restricted to economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSBs). By joining the program, businesses become eligible to compete for these set-aside contracts, in addition to other socio-economic programs like 8(a) and HUBZone.

To improve the certification process, the SBA implemented changes in 2020 based on the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These updates have made it easier for qualified small businesses to participate in the program while enhancing oversight and ensuring the integrity of the certification process. All WOSB firms must apply for certification through the SBA’s free online certification process at certifications.sba.gov to compete for set-aside contracts. Businesses that utilize SBA-approved Third-Party Certifiers (TPCs) can also participate by submitting their TPC certification and proof of citizenship.

Eligibility requirements for the WOSB Federal Contract Program include being a small business according to SBA size standards, being at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens, and having women manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions. For EDWOSB qualification, additional economic disadvantage standards apply, such as personal net worth and adjusted gross income limits.

The SBA offers various resources to help firms understand the certification process, including checklists, guidance, and access to program experts. Firms can also use SBA’s local assistance tool to contact their local SBA regional or district office or Women’s Business Center for support. The MySBA Certifications Knowledge Base provides additional resources, including how-to videos and user guides, to help firms navigate the certification process.

In summary, the WOSB Federal Contracting Program is a valuable initiative that supports women-owned small businesses by providing access to federal contracting opportunities. With improved certification processes and comprehensive support resources, the program helps women entrepreneurs compete and succeed in the federal contracting arena.

Focus: Federal Contracting, Women-Owned Businesses, Business Support, Certification, Economic Development

Region: United States

Eligibility:
– Small businesses as per SBA size standards
– At least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens
– Women managing day-to-day operations and making long-term decisions
– Additional economic disadvantage standards for EDWOSB qualification

Benefits:
– Access to federal contracting opportunities
– Business training and counseling
– Access to credit and capital
– Eligibility to compete for set-aside contracts
– Support for certification and program participation

Terms:
– Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB): A small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens.
– Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB): A WOSB that meets additional economic disadvantage standards.
– Set-Aside Contracts: Federal contracts reserved for businesses participating in the WOSB Federal Contracting Program.
– Third-Party Certifiers (TPCs): Organizations approved by the SBA to provide certification for the WOSB program.