WOSB Government Contracts & Set-Asides

What Is the WOSB Program?

The WOSB Federal Contracting Program was established by Congress to increase federal contracting opportunities for women-owned businesses in industries where they are underrepresented. The federal government has a statutory goal of awarding at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses.

The program includes two categories: WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) and EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business). EDWOSBs have access to set-asides in more NAICS code categories than standard WOSBs, making EDWOSB certification particularly valuable if you qualify.

Unlike the 8(a) program, the WOSB program does not have a time limit. Once certified, you can compete for WOSB set-asides indefinitely, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. This makes WOSB certification a long-term competitive advantage.

WOSB vs. EDWOSB: What Is the Difference?

Both WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides restrict competition to certified women-owned firms. The key difference is scope:

• •WOSB set-asides are available in NAICS industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented. The SBA maintains a list of eligible NAICS codes based on periodic industry studies.
• •EDWOSB set-asides are available in industries where women-owned businesses are substantially underrepresented, giving EDWOSBs access to a broader range of opportunities. EDWOSB-eligible NAICS codes include all WOSB-eligible codes plus additional industries.

To qualify as an EDWOSB, the woman owner must demonstrate economic disadvantage:

• •Personal net worth below $850,000 (excluding the value of the business and primary residence)
• •Adjusted gross income averaging no more than $400,000 over the preceding three years
• •Total assets (including business and residence) not exceeding $6.5 million

Practical tip: If you qualify for EDWOSB, always apply for it. EDWOSB includes all the benefits of WOSB plus access to additional NAICS codes. There is no downside to having the EDWOSB designation.

Understanding NAICS Code Restrictions

Unlike SDVOSB and 8(a) set-asides, which apply to any NAICS code, WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides are limited to specific industries. The SBA publishes lists of eligible NAICS codes based on industry studies of women's representation.

Some of the most commonly used WOSB/EDWOSB-eligible industries include:

• •Information technology and computer systems design (NAICS 5415xx)
• •Management consulting services (NAICS 541611, 541612, 541618)
• •Engineering services (NAICS 541330)
• •Facilities support services (NAICS 561210)
• •Professional, scientific, and technical services (NAICS 54xxxx)
• •Construction (various NAICS 236xxx and 237xxx codes)

Before investing time in WOSB certification, verify that your primary NAICS codes are on the SBA's eligible list. You can check the full list at sba.gov.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify as a WOSB, your business must meet all of the following:

• 1.Ownership. The business must be at least 51% unconditionally and directly owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. The ownership interest must be real and substantial — not a nominal arrangement to qualify for the program. The SBA will examine operating agreements, stock certificates, and partnership agreements to verify ownership.
• 2.Management and control. One or more women must manage the daily business operations and make long-term strategic decisions. The woman owner must hold the highest officer position in the company (CEO, President, or Managing Partner). She must also control the board of directors if the business is a corporation, or have managing member authority if it is an LLC.
• 3.Size standard. The business must qualify as small under the SBA size standard for its primary NAICS code. Size standards vary — for example, most professional services firms are measured by annual revenue (e.g., $19.5 million for management consulting, $34 million for computer systems design), while manufacturers are measured by employee count.
• 4.EDWOSB additional requirements. For EDWOSB certification, the woman owner must demonstrate economic disadvantage: personal net worth below $850,000 (excluding the business and primary residence), adjusted gross income averaging under $400,000 over three years, and total assets not exceeding $6.5 million.

How to Get Certified: Step-by-Step

Certification is required to compete for WOSB and EDWOSB set-aside contracts. There are two paths:

Certification renewal: WOSB certifications must be renewed every three years through the same portal or certifier you originally used. Set a calendar reminder 90 days before expiration.

Sole-Source Thresholds and Benefits

• •Sole-source contracts up to $7 million for manufacturing and $4.5 million for all other industries. Sole-source awards bypass full competition entirely — the contracting officer selects your firm directly. To qualify, only one WOSB/EDWOSB must be capable of performing the work at a fair price.
• •Competitive set-asides restricted to certified WOSB or EDWOSB firms. The contracting officer must expect at least two WOSBs to submit offers and the award to be at a fair market price. Competition is dramatically reduced compared to full and open solicitations.
• •5% federal goal means agencies are actively looking for qualified WOSBs to meet their statutory small business targets. The SBA publishes annual agency scorecards grading each agency's performance against this goal.
• •EDWOSB expanded industries give economically disadvantaged women-owned firms access to set-asides in more NAICS code categories than standard WOSBs. This broader scope makes EDWOSB certification significantly more valuable.
• •No time limit unlike the 8(a) program, which expires after nine years. WOSB certification has no program duration limit — you can hold it indefinitely as long as you continue to meet eligibility requirements.
• •Subcontracting preference since large prime contractors must include WOSB participation in their small business subcontracting plans for contracts over $900,000. Being WOSB certified makes you a more attractive teaming partner.

Common Mistakes and Pitfalls

• ✗Not checking NAICS code eligibility first. WOSB set-asides only apply to specific NAICS codes. If your primary industry is not on the SBA's eligible list, WOSB certification will not give you access to set-aside contracts in that area. Check the list before investing time in the application.
• ✗Applying as WOSB when you qualify for EDWOSB. EDWOSB gives you access to all WOSB-eligible NAICS codes plus additional industries. If you meet the economic disadvantage thresholds, always apply for EDWOSB. You can still compete for standard WOSB set-asides with an EDWOSB certification.
• ✗Ownership structure issues. If the business is co-owned with a spouse or business partner, ensure the woman owner holds at least 51% ownership with clear documentation. Community property states require special attention — the SBA may consider jointly owned marital property when evaluating the 51% threshold.
• ✗Not demonstrating highest officer position. The woman owner must hold the highest officer position in the company. If someone else has the title of CEO, President, or Managing Partner, you will need to restructure before applying.
• ✗Relying solely on WOSB status. WOSB certification is a powerful tool, but it works best as part of a broader contracting strategy. Also consider pursuing a GSA Schedule contract, building past performance through subcontracting, and marketing directly to contracting officers.

Tips for Winning WOSB Contracts

• ✓Target agencies that consistently exceed WOSB goals. Agencies like SBA, HHS, GSA, and the Department of Education have historically strong WOSB programs. Research which agencies buy what you sell and focus your marketing efforts there.
• ✓Respond to Sources Sought notices. When contracting officers research whether to set aside a contract for WOSBs, your capability statement response can directly influence their decision. Always respond, even if the eventual solicitation seems uncertain.
• ✓Stack certifications. If you qualify for multiple set-aside programs (WOSB + 8(a), or WOSB + HUBZone), pursue all of them. Each certification opens new contract opportunities. Take our Set-Aside Quiz to see which programs you qualify for.
• ✓Leverage women's business networks. Organizations like WBENC, NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners), and SBA Women's Business Centers provide training, networking, and matchmaking events that connect you with government and corporate buyers.
• ✓Start with simplified acquisitions. Acquisitions above $15,000 through $350,000 are generally set aside for small businesses. These are great entry points for building past performance without needing a formal WOSB set-aside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding WOSB Opportunities

WOSB and EDWOSB set-aside opportunities are posted on SAM.gov. You can filter by set-aside type (look for "Women-Owned Small Business Set-Aside" and "Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Set-Aside") to find solicitations restricted to women-owned firms. Many state governments also have procurement preferences or set-asides for women-owned businesses through their own portals — some states call these WBE (Women's Business Enterprise) programs.

Keeping track of opportunities across SAM.gov and 50 state procurement portals is challenging. GovSentry automates this process by monitoring all of these sources continuously and alerting you when a WOSB or EDWOSB opportunity matches your NAICS codes and target states. Every match includes AI-generated bid intelligence so you can evaluate opportunities quickly and respond before the deadline.

Related Resources

• Small Business Government Contracts: Getting Started Guide
• 8(a) Set-Aside Contracts Guide
• SDVOSB Set-Aside Contracts Guide
• GSA Schedule Contracts Guide
• Set-Aside Eligibility Quiz