Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification
To help level the playing field and create more opportunities for women entrepreneurs, the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) set-aside was established. From the over $500 billion the government allocates for contracts every year, 5% is obligated for WOSBs.
Another women-owned set-aside is the Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB). Businesses certified as EDWOSBs qualify for extra funding and may be selected in smaller set-aside solicitation pools than businesses certified as WOSBs. Contracting officers must meet annual contracting goals by specifically setting aside certain solicitations for WOSBs and EDWOSBs.
Understanding the Basics
WOSB - Women-Owned Small Business
The WOSB program was created to provide opportunities for women-owned businesses competing for federal contracts. Just like a qualified veteran-owned business, the Small Business Administration (SBA) sets goals for spending in these categories. The WOSB program authorizes contracting officers to specifically limiting, or setting aside, certain requirements for competition solely amongst women-owned small businesses.
EDWOSB - Economically-Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business
WBENC - Women Business Enterprise National Council
The WBENC is an SBA-approved third party WOSB program certifier. A WBENC Certification confirms that a business is 51 percent owned and operated by a woman or multiple women. To achieve the certification, women-owned must complete the required documents and open for a site-visit by one of fourteen WBENC regional locations. Once approved, the women-owned businesses will still need to register with the SBA in order to bid on specific opportunities held by government agents as well as WBENC members.
Certification Benefits
Due to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013, WOSBs now have uncapped contracting potential allowing contracting officers to award contracting dollars above the original Small Business Act limitations. These uncapped contracts are valid to all WOSBs and EDWOSBs that are currently registered in System for Award Management (SAM).
Benefits of the program include:
- Sole source, non-compete contracting opportunities
- More bid opportunities and subcontracting opportunities
- Increased visibility in the federal marketplace
Program Qualifications
To qualify for the WOSB set-aside, the business has to be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens. These women also have to manage day-to-day operations as well as make long-term decisions. Like any other government contractor, you also need to be registered in the System for Award Management.
If you’re interested in registering as an EDWOSB, the criteria mentioned above apply and include the following:
- The women owner-operators each have to have a net worth of less than $850,000
- In the last 3 years, each of these owner-operators need to have an adjusted gross income of $400,000 or less
- Their personal assets less than or equal to 6.5 million
- To be deemed “Economically Disadvantaged”, owners must demonstrate economic disadvantage in accordance with the rules
- GovPath Advisors can help you determine which certification option is right for your business
Get Certified with GovPath Advisors
We’ve worked with hundreds of businesses to get them properly registered in the federal marketplace. As a business owner, your time, attention, and resources are limited. Mistakes with federal registrations can cause delays and may result in fines. GovPath Advisors saves you time, money, and eliminates non-compliance risk.
The benefits GovPath Advisors’ (ED)WOSB certification:
- Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM)
- Dedicated Case Manager to manage the certification
- Review of all supporting documentation
- Addressing of common issues with compliance
- Preparation and submission of application