Introduction
The federal government is committed to ensuring that women-owned businesses have a fair opportunity to compete for federal prime and subcontracting awards. The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program was established to help level the playing field by limiting competition for certain federal contracts to businesses that participate in the program.
Definition
The WOSB Federal Contract Program is a federal initiative designed to increase contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses. Under this program, contracting officers can set aside specific federal contracts for eligible WOSBs or Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSBs).
To qualify, a business must be at least 51% unconditionally and directly owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. According to FAR Part 19.15, the program is intended to address the underrepresentation of women in certain industries. The Small Business Administration (SBA) maintains a list of NAICS codes that are eligible for these set-asides, which are updated periodically based on studies of industry underrepresentation.
Examples
- Set-Asides: A federal agency identifies a requirement for administrative services under a designated NAICS code where women are underrepresented. They issue a solicitation restricted exclusively to certified WOSBs.
- Sole-Source Awards: In specific instances where only one qualified WOSB is available to perform the work at a fair and reasonable price, the agency may award a contract directly to that firm without a competitive process.
- Certification: A firm specializing in IT consulting registers through the SBA’s certify.sba.gov portal to obtain official WOSB status, allowing them to gain a competitive advantage on specific solicitations identified by SamSearch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a WOSB and an EDWOSB?
A WOSB must be 51% owned and controlled by women. An EDWOSB has the same ownership requirements but must also meet specific financial thresholds regarding the owner’s personal net worth, adjusted gross income, and fair market value of assets, as defined in 13 CFR 127.203.
How does the SBA determine which industries are eligible?
The SBA conducts periodic studies to identify industries where women-owned businesses are substantially underrepresented in federal procurement. Only contracts within these specific NAICS codes are eligible for WOSB or EDWOSB set-asides.
Do I need to be certified to participate?
Yes. As of 2020, self-certification is no longer sufficient for set-aside contracts. Businesses must be certified through the SBA’s online portal or an approved third-party certifier to be eligible for WOSB or EDWOSB set-aside awards.
Can SamSearch help me find WOSB opportunities?
Absolutely. SamSearch aggregates federal procurement data, allowing contractors to filter solicitations by set-aside type, including WOSB and EDWOSB, so you can focus your business development efforts on relevant opportunities.
Conclusion
The WOSB Federal Contract Program is a vital tool for small business growth in the federal marketplace. By understanding the eligibility requirements and maintaining active certification, women-owned firms can leverage these set-asides to secure government contracts. Utilizing platforms like SamSearch ensures you stay informed about the latest solicitations, helping you navigate the complexities of federal procurement with confidence.
