The WOSB certification gives women a leg-up in the federal contracting World. It mandates a set-aside of 5% of federal government contracts are awarded to women.

Key Program Benefits

Set-Aside Contracts: Many federal contracts will be awarded only to WOSBs and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSBs) in certain types of businesses and verticals where women are less likely to be involved than other NAICs.  Some NAICs have more involvement than others.

Reduced Competition: The certified businesses are awarded exclusive bidding rights for set-aside contracts, thus securing federal opportunities.

Increased Visibility: Certification puts the company in the federal marketplace for marketing and recognition.

Sole-Source Contracts: Sometimes contracting officers will award sole-source contracts to WOSBs without competitive bidding in certain circumstances.

Support Across Government Levels: Several state, county and municipal governments also have contracting goals for women-owned businesses that provide additional growth potential.

What’s Required?

1. Be least 51% owned and controlled by women who are now U.S. citizens.
2. Hashtag women running daily operations and making long-term decisions.
3. Become a small business under SBA size standards.
4. Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB): Owners also must meet WOSB requirements:

EDWOSB Additional Requirements

• AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) that is under $400K for last 3 years.
• Net worth that is less than $850K.
• Have personal assets of $6.5 million or less.
• Eligibility standards for the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program are similar to those for official retirement accounts.

Certification Process

Participation in the WOSB Federal Contracting Program requires businesses to apply online as certification is done online by the Small Business Administration.

Also available are SBA-approved third-party certifiers, such as the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

Submit Documentation: Ownership, management, and eligibility must be shown along with verification of NAICS codes.

Maintain Certification: Annual attestation to program requirements and a full review every three years are required for WOSB and EDWOSB certifications.

Recent Program Improvements

Updates for certification and program oversight were implemented in 2020 by the SBA. Key changes included:

All WOSBs must now certify online through the SBA’s free online portal.

Still, allow continuing participation for businesses certified by SBA-approved third-party certifiers so long as documentation is submitted through the SBA platform.

Compliance requirements have been simplified, and economic disadvantage standards have been aligned with the 8(a) program.

Program Impact

Recently, WOSBs have received approximately 4.6% of federal contracting dollars – more than USD 26 billion annually.

The program shows the federal government is serious about helping women entrepreneurs and addressing gender gaps in business.

Post-Certification Opportunities

Once certified, businesses can:

• Bid on Exclusive Contracts: Use certification to access set-aside and sole-source contracts.
• Enhance Marketing: Nationally known WOSB logos establish credibility and bring in new clients.
• Expand Networks: Take part in events and workshops organized by third party certifiers and SBA resource partners.

FEDCON Assistance for WOSB Certification

WOSB certification can be complex and slow. And that is where FEDCON steps in. FEDCON assists women-owned businesses with procuring their WOSB and EDWOSB certifications. Partnering with FEDCON means you can:

• Streamline your documentation and submission process by using our expertise.
• Avoid mistakes that delay your certification.
• Receive targeted business advice.

Relax…let FEDCON handle the paperwork so you can focus on growing your business and winning federal contracts. Start with us today!