Set-Asides
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
A federal set-aside program for small businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled, and managed by women.
Definition
The WOSB Federal Contract Program is administered by the SBA. Certified WOSB firms can compete for WOSB-only set-aside contracts in NAICS codes where women are under-represented (as determined by SBA studies). Sole-source awards are allowed up to $4.5M ($7M for manufacturing) when only one responsible WOSB is identified.
When it applies
Self-certification was eliminated in 2020. Firms apply at certify.SBA.gov or through an approved Third-Party Certifier (NWBOC, WBENC, US Women's Chamber of Commerce, El Paso Hispanic Chamber). Certification is free at certify.SBA.gov; third-party certifiers charge a fee. Recertification every three years.