WOSB & EDWOSB Certifications

The federal government offers an economically disadvantaged woman-owned small business (EDWOSB)  program certification for qualifying women entrepreneurs. This federal program makes it easier for women-owned firms to compete for federal contracts, win contracts, and ultimately grow.

Discover how a women-owned business certification can help you meet your small-business goals. Learn more about the EDWOSB program, the benefits of certification, and how we can help! 

Under Federal Law (Public Law 106-554), this program provides federal agencies a tool to achieve women-owned small businesses (WOSB) contracting goals (5% of its prime contracting dollars must be awarded to WOSBs). If you qualify for EDWOSB or WOSB program certification, then you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Increased visibility
• Access to program networking and educational opportunities
• Access to federal contracts set aside for WOSBs

The WOSB Federal Contract Program allows Contracting Officers (COs) to set aside contracts for WOSBs or EDWOSBs under certain conditions.

Industries:

1. WOSB: NAICS code assigned to contract solicitation is in an industry in which WOSBs are substantially underrepresented (92 Industry Groups – 365 NAICS Codes).
2. EDWOSB: NAICS code assigned to contract solicitation is in an industry in which WOSBs are underrepresented (21 Industry Groups – 80 NAICS Codes).

“Rule of Two”: Contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that 2 or more WOSBs will submit an offer.

Award Price: Contract must be awarded at a fair market price.

Per the SBA, as of December 2015, the program also allows Contracting Officers (COs) to grant contracts to WOSBs and EDWOSBs under Sole-Source Authority:

1. Is the contract in a WOSB/EDWOSB eligible NAICS code?
2. Is the contract (including options) valued at $6.5 million or less for manufacturing contracts or $4 million or less for all other contracts?
3. Can the contract be awarded to the WOSB/EDWOSB at a fair and reasonable price?
4. In the determination of the contracting officer, is there a reasonable expectation that there is only one WOSB/EDWOSB that can perform?

In March 2016, the eligible industries were revised and expanded to 113 based on the new Department of Commerce study. A total of 36 new industries were added to the program, six industries were removed from the program, and 27 industries had their designation changed between WOSB and EDWOSB.