WOSB Certification: Requirements, Application, and Set-Aside Opportunities

Women-owned businesses represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the small business community, yet they remain underrepresented in federal contracting. To address this gap, Congress established the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program, which reserves contract opportunities exclusively for certified women-owned firms in industries where they have historically been underrepresented.

The federal government has a statutory goal of awarding at least 5% of prime contract dollars to women-owned small businesses, representing over $30 billion in annual opportunities. The WOSB program, along with its subset for Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSB), provides sole-source and set-aside contracting authority that significantly reduces competition for qualifying firms.

This guide covers everything women business owners need to know about WOSB and EDWOSB certification: the eligibility requirements, the difference between the two designations, designated NAICS codes, the application process, and strategies for winning set-aside contracts.

What Is WOSB Certification?

WOSB certification is a federal designation that qualifies women-owned small businesses for set-aside contracts and sole-source awards in industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented in federal procurement. The program is authorized under Section 8(m) of the Small Business Act and administered by the SBA.

The WOSB program operates through two tiers:

• WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business): Set-asides available in NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are substantially underrepresented.
• EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business): Set-asides available in NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are underrepresented (a broader list) plus all WOSB-designated codes.

EDWOSB-certified firms can access more opportunities because they qualify for both EDWOSB-designated and WOSB-designated NAICS codes.

Program Benefits

• Sole-source contracts up to $4.5 million for services and $4.5 million for manufacturing in designated NAICS codes.
• WOSB and EDWOSB set-aside competitions restricted to certified firms.
• 5% government-wide contracting goal driving agencies to seek women-owned contractors.
• Reduced competition compared to full-and-open procurements.

WOSB vs. EDWOSB: Understanding the Difference

The distinction between WOSB and EDWOSB affects which set-aside opportunities you can pursue.

WOSB Set-Asides

WOSB set-asides are available in NAICS codes that the SBA has determined women-owned businesses are substantially underrepresented. In these industries, contracting officers can restrict competition to WOSB-certified firms.

EDWOSB Set-Asides

EDWOSB set-asides are available in NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are merely underrepresented (not substantially). This is a broader category that includes more industries. Additionally, EDWOSB firms can also compete for WOSB set-asides, making EDWOSB the more versatile certification.

Comparison

Which Should You Pursue?

If you meet the economic disadvantage thresholds, always pursue EDWOSB certification because it qualifies you for both EDWOSB and WOSB set-asides. If you do not meet the economic disadvantage criteria, pursue WOSB certification.

Eligibility Requirements

WOSB Requirements

• At least 51% unconditionally owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.
• Managed and controlled by one or more women. The woman or women must hold the highest officer position (CEO, President, Managing Member) and make long-term strategic decisions for the business.
• Small business under SBA size standards for the firm's primary NAICS code.

EDWOSB Additional Requirements

In addition to all WOSB requirements, the woman or women who own and control the business must demonstrate economic disadvantage:

• Personal net worth must not exceed $850,000 (excluding equity in the business and primary residence).
• Adjusted gross income averaged over the three preceding years must not exceed $400,000.
• Total assets must not exceed $6.5 million.

Ownership and Control Details

The SBA examines ownership and control closely:

Ownership:

• Ownership must be unconditional. Ownership through trusts or intermediary entities must still give the woman direct, unconditional control.
• Community property laws are considered, but the woman must still own at least 51% in her own right.
• No one class of stock or interest can be structured to give non-women disproportionate control.

Control:

• The woman must hold the highest officer position.
• If the business has a board of directors, the woman must control the board.
• The woman must make decisions on management, operations, hiring, and strategy without requiring approval from non-women.
• The woman must work full-time during normal business hours.

Designated NAICS Codes

WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides can only be used in designated NAICS codes. These are industries that the SBA has identified as having underrepresentation of women-owned businesses in federal contracting based on a study of federal procurement data.

How Designations Work

The SBA periodically conducts studies to identify which industries have underrepresentation or substantial underrepresentation of women-owned businesses. Based on these studies, the SBA publishes:

• EDWOSB-designated NAICS codes: Industries where women are underrepresented. Set-asides available to EDWOSB firms.
• WOSB-designated NAICS codes: Industries where women are substantially underrepresented. Set-asides available to both WOSB and EDWOSB firms.

Examples of Designated Industries

WOSB and EDWOSB designated NAICS codes span many sectors, including:

• Construction (various specialty trade codes)
• Manufacturing
• Professional, scientific, and technical services
• Information technology
• Administrative and support services
• Transportation and warehousing

To check whether your NAICS codes are designated for WOSB or EDWOSB set-asides, use SamSearch's NAICS Code Lookup or consult the SBA's published list of designated industries.

Why Designated NAICS Codes Matter

If your primary business activities fall within designated NAICS codes, WOSB/EDWOSB certification gives you access to set-aside opportunities in those industries. If your NAICS codes are not designated, the certification has limited value for set-aside purposes (though it still counts toward the 5% goaling statistic).

The WOSB Application Process

Certification Paths

There are two paths to WOSB/EDWOSB certification:

1. SBA Direct Certification (Free) Apply through the SBA's online certification portal at certify.sba.gov. This is the same portal used for 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB certifications.

2. Third-Party Certifier Obtain certification from an SBA-approved third-party certifier:

• Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
• National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC)
• El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Third-party certifiers may charge fees, but their certification is accepted by the SBA for the WOSB program.

Required Documentation

Regardless of the certification path, prepare:

• Business formation documents (articles of incorporation, operating agreement, bylaws)
• Ownership records (stock certificates, membership certificates)
• Tax returns (three years of business and personal)
• Personal financial statement (SBA Form 413, for EDWOSB)
• Resumes for all owners and key personnel
• Birth certificates or passports establishing gender and citizenship
• SAM.gov registration confirmation

Application Steps (SBA Direct)

1. Register at certify.sba.gov and create an account.
2. Select WOSB or EDWOSB certification.
3. Enter entity information including business name, EIN, UEI, and NAICS codes.
4. Document ownership and control with supporting records.
5. Provide economic disadvantage documentation (EDWOSB only).
6. Upload all required documents.
7. Submit and await SBA review.

Processing Time

SBA processing typically takes 30 to 90 days depending on application volume and completeness. Third-party certifiers may have different timelines. Incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays.

Winning WOSB Set-Aside Contracts

Search for WOSB Opportunities

Use SamSearch's Contract Search to filter opportunities by WOSB or EDWOSB set-aside type. Focus on:

• Active solicitations in your designated NAICS codes set aside for WOSB/EDWOSB.
• Sources sought notices where agencies research the availability of WOSB firms.
• Pre-solicitation notices signaling upcoming WOSB set-asides.
• Agency procurement forecasts identifying future WOSB opportunities.

Engage with OSDBU Offices

Every federal agency has an Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) responsible for helping the agency meet its small business contracting goals, including the 5% WOSB goal. OSDBU offices:

• Host matchmaking events and industry days.
• Provide information about upcoming procurements.
• Connect small businesses with contracting officers and program managers.
• Advocate for set-aside opportunities.

Attend Targeted Events

• SBA Women's Business Centers offer training, counseling, and networking.
• WBENC conferences connect women-owned businesses with corporate and government buyers.
• Agency industry days provide direct access to procurement decision-makers.
• Procurement conferences like the Women in Defense Summit and AFCEA events feature WOSB-relevant networking.

Build Past Performance Strategically

If you lack federal past performance, consider:

• Subcontracting with prime contractors who need WOSB subcontractors for their subcontracting plans.
• State and local government contracts that build relevant experience.
• GSA Schedule purchases that create a federal performance record.
• Simplified acquisitions (under $250,000) that have streamlined evaluation criteria.

Combining WOSB with Other Certifications

WOSB certification can be held alongside other SBA certifications:

• WOSB + 8(a): If you are a socially and economically disadvantaged woman, you can pursue both certifications. The 8(a) program provides broader set-aside authority beyond designated NAICS codes.
• WOSB + HUBZone: If your principal office is in a HUBZone and you meet the employee residency requirement, you can hold both. This combines WOSB set-asides with the HUBZone 10% price preference.
• WOSB + SDVOSB: A woman who is a service-disabled veteran can hold both WOSB and SDVOSB certification, accessing set-asides under both programs.

Stacking certifications multiplies your competitive advantages and expands your pool of eligible set-aside opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WOSB certification?

WOSB certification is an SBA designation that qualifies small businesses owned and controlled by women for WOSB set-aside contracts in NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are underrepresented. Certified firms can also receive sole-source contracts up to $4.5 million for services and $4.5 million for manufacturing in designated NAICS codes.

What is the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?

EDWOSB requires the woman owner to meet additional economic disadvantage criteria (personal net worth below $850,000, adjusted gross income below $400,000, total assets below $6.5 million). EDWOSB certification qualifies the business for set-asides in a broader range of NAICS codes than WOSB alone, because it includes industries classified as both underrepresented and substantially underrepresented.

What are designated NAICS codes for WOSB?

Designated NAICS codes are industries identified by the SBA where women-owned businesses are underrepresented (EDWOSB) or substantially underrepresented (WOSB) in federal contracting. Set-asides under the WOSB program can only be made in these designated codes. The SBA publishes the complete list of designated NAICS codes.

How do I apply for WOSB certification?

Apply through the SBA at certify.sba.gov (free) or through an approved third-party certifier such as WBENC, NWBOC, or the El Paso Hispanic Chamber. Prepare ownership documents, tax returns, financial statements, and gender/citizenship documentation.

Is WOSB certification free?

Applying directly through the SBA at certify.sba.gov is completely free. Third-party certifiers may charge fees for their services. An approved third-party certification is accepted by the SBA for the WOSB program.

What is the WOSB sole-source threshold?

WOSB and EDWOSB firms can receive sole-source contracts up to $4.5 million for services and $4.5 million for manufacturing, provided the contract is in a designated NAICS code and the firm is a responsible contractor that can perform at a fair and reasonable price.

Can I be WOSB and 8(a) certified at the same time?

Yes. Women who meet the eligibility requirements for both the WOSB program and the 8(a) Business Development Program can hold both certifications simultaneously. The 8(a) program provides additional set-aside and sole-source authority not limited to designated NAICS codes.

What is the federal contracting goal for women-owned businesses?

The federal government has a statutory goal of awarding at least 5% of prime contract dollars to women-owned small businesses. In recent fiscal years, women-owned small businesses have received over $30 billion in federal prime contract awards annually.

Next Steps

If you are a woman who owns a small business, WOSB or EDWOSB certification is a strategic investment. Start by checking whether your NAICS codes are designated for WOSB or EDWOSB set-asides. Then use SamSearch's Contract Search to research the volume of WOSB set-aside work available in your industry.

If your NAICS codes are designated and set-aside opportunities exist, apply for certification through the SBA or an approved third-party certifier. If you also meet the economic disadvantage thresholds, pursue EDWOSB for the broadest possible access to set-aside opportunities.

For an overview of all SBA certification programs, see our SBA Certifications Guide.