FAR 18.117—Awards to economically disadvantaged women-owned small business concerns and women-owned small business concerns eligible under the Women-Owned Small Business Program.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 18.117 is a short but important authority statement that tells contracting personnel that contracts may be awarded to economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concerns and women-owned small business (WOSB) concerns eligible under the WOSB Program on either a competitive basis or a sole-source basis. Its purpose is to confirm that, in the right circumstances, these small business set-aside categories can be used as acquisition tools during emergency or contingency-related contracting actions covered by FAR part 18. In practice, this section does not create the eligibility rules itself; instead, it points users to FAR subpart 19.15, where the detailed WOSB Program requirements, eligibility standards, certification/status rules, and award procedures are found. For contracting officers, the section is a reminder that EDWOSB and WOSB awards remain available even in expedited or unusual acquisition environments, but only if the underlying program rules are satisfied. For contractors, it signals that women-owned small businesses may compete for or receive sole-source awards when they qualify under the program. The practical significance is that agencies should not assume emergency or special acquisition conditions eliminate socioeconomic set-aside options; rather, they must still apply the WOSB Program framework correctly.
Key Rules
EDWOSB and WOSB awards allowed
Contracts may be awarded to EDWOSB concerns and to WOSB concerns eligible under the WOSB Program. This confirms that these socioeconomic categories are available award recipients under the FAR.
Competitive or sole-source basis
The section expressly allows awards on either a competitive basis or a sole-source basis. The choice depends on whether the acquisition circumstances and program rules support competition or justify a sole-source award.
Eligibility is controlled elsewhere
This section does not define who qualifies as an EDWOSB or WOSB concern. Users must look to FAR subpart 19.15 for the detailed eligibility, certification, and award procedures.
Program compliance still required
The authority to award under this section is not automatic. Contracting officers must still ensure the offeror is eligible under the WOSB Program and that the award action complies with the applicable program requirements.
Applies in the FAR part 18 context
Because this provision appears in FAR part 18, it is relevant to acquisition situations addressed by that part, including emergency and contingency-related contracting. It confirms that WOSB/EDWOSB awards remain available in those contexts when otherwise proper.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether an EDWOSB or WOSB award is appropriate, verify that the concern is eligible under the WOSB Program, and follow the procedures in FAR subpart 19.15 before making a competitive or sole-source award.
Agency
Ensure acquisition personnel understand that WOSB and EDWOSB award authorities remain available under the FAR part 18 framework and that program-specific requirements are applied consistently.
Women-Owned Small Business Concern (WOSB)
Maintain eligibility under the WOSB Program and be prepared to compete for or accept award only when the firm meets the applicable program requirements.
Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concern (EDWOSB)
Maintain EDWOSB status and comply with the WOSB Program rules governing eligibility, representation, and award conditions.
Practical Implications
This section is mainly an authority cross-reference, so the biggest mistake is treating it as a complete eligibility rule when it is not.
Contracting officers should immediately go to FAR subpart 19.15 to confirm certification, eligibility, and award procedures before using this authority.
The provision matters in urgent or special acquisition environments because it confirms that WOSB/EDWOSB awards are still available, including sole-source awards when permitted.
Contractors should not assume that being women-owned alone is enough; they must be eligible under the WOSB Program and able to support that status.
Because the section is brief, users may overlook the need to document the basis for the award and the applicable program compliance steps, which can create protest or audit risk.
Official Regulatory Text
Contracts may be awarded to economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concerns and women-owned small business (WOSB) concerns eligible under the WOSB Program on a competitive or sole source basis. (See subpart 19.15 .)