WOSB & EDWOSB Certification: Guide for Women-Owned Small Businesses

The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program provides set-aside opportunities for businesses owned and controlled by women. The program has two tiers: WOSB and Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB), with EDWOSB having access to additional set-aside industries.

The federal government has a statutory goal of awarding 5% of all federal prime contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses. In FY 2024, the government awarded approximately $30 billion to WOSBs. The WOSB program restricts competition to WOSBs in industries where they are substantially underrepresented.

WOSB set-asides are available in specific NAICS codes designated by the SBA. EDWOSB set-asides are available in a broader set of NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are underrepresented. Check the SBA's WOSB Federal Contracting Program page for the current list of eligible NAICS codes.

Sole-source awards to WOSBs and EDWOSBs are available up to $4.5 million for services and $8 million for manufacturing.

WOSB Requirements: The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. The women owners must manage the day-to-day operations and make long-term strategic decisions. The business must be small under its primary NAICS code.

EDWOSB Additional Requirements: In addition to WOSB requirements, the woman owner's personal net worth must be less than $850,000 (excluding business ownership and primary residence), and her adjusted gross income must not exceed $400,000 averaged over three years.

Certification Options: You can get certified through the SBA directly (free, via certify.sba.gov), or through an SBA-approved Third-Party Certifier (fees vary). Third-party certification may be faster but costs $500-2,000.

Required Documents: Proof of U.S. citizenship, business ownership documents, tax returns, financial statements, and for EDWOSB, personal financial documentation demonstrating economic disadvantage.

Processing Time: SBA direct certification typically takes 30-90 days. Third-party certifiers may process applications in 15-30 days.

Getting certified is the first step. To actually win contracts, you need a proactive strategy.

Identify Target Agencies: Research which federal agencies spend the most in your NAICS codes. The top agencies for WOSB spending include the Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, and General Services Administration.

Build Relationships: Attend agency small business events, industry days, and matchmaking sessions. Connect with agency Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) directors — they're specifically tasked with helping small businesses access contracting opportunities.

Start Small: Begin with smaller contracts to build past performance. Government-wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) and GSA Schedule contracts can provide a steady stream of task orders.

Leverage Subcontracting: Large prime contractors need to meet their own small business subcontracting goals. Position your WOSB as a subcontractor to large primes — this builds relationships and past performance while generating revenue.

Use Bidlync: Search for WOSB and EDWOSB set-aside opportunities using our contract search filters. Set up email alerts for new WOSB opportunities in your NAICS codes.