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Federal Set-Aside Program

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)

A federal set-aside for women-owned small businesses competing in NAICS industries where women are underrepresented.

Who qualifies

  • At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens
  • Small under the solicitation’s NAICS size standard
  • A woman manages day-to-day operations and makes long-term decisions
  • Operating in an eligible (underrepresented) NAICS industry for WOSB set-asides

How to get certified

Get certified through SBA at certify.SBA.gov (free) or via an approved third-party certifier. Self-certification was retired — you must now be certified to bid WOSB/EDWOSB set-asides.

Key benefits

  • Set-aside competition limited to WOSBs in designated NAICS codes
  • Sole-source awards up to $4.5M (services) / $7M (manufacturing) where only one WOSB can perform
  • Supports the government-wide 5% women-owned contracting goal

Sole-source authority

WOSB sole-source is available up to $4.5M (services/supplies) and $7M (manufacturing) when the CO can’t expect two or more WOSB offers and the award is at a fair price.

Common questions

What’s the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?

EDWOSB is a subset of WOSB — the owner must also meet economic-disadvantage criteria (net worth, income, asset caps). Some NAICS codes are reserved for EDWOSB specifically.

Can I still self-certify as a WOSB?

No. As of the 2020 rule change you must be SBA-certified or third-party certified to receive WOSB/EDWOSB set-aside awards.

Related programs

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See all federal set-aside programs, the NAICS code guides, or the contracting glossary.