WOSB Federal Contracting Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about Women-Owned Small Business certification and accessing federal contracting opportunities worth billions.
What is WOSB Certification?
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification is a federal program that provides women entrepreneurs with greater access to federal contracting opportunities. The program includes both WOSB and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) certifications.
WOSB Benefits
- • Access to set-aside contracts
- • Priority in competitive bidding
- • Sole-source contract opportunities
- • Government buyer networking
Federal Goal
- • 5% of all federal contracts to women-owned businesses
- • Over $600 billion in federal procurement annually
- • Growing opportunities in all industries
- • Strong government commitment to women's businesses
WOSB vs EDWOSB Certification
Standard certification for women-owned businesses. Provides access to WOSB set-aside contracts in all industries where women are underrepresented.
Eligible Industries (Set-Asides):
- • Professional services
- • Information technology
- • Construction services
- • Administrative support
Requirements:
- • 51% women ownership
- • Women control management
- • Small business size standards
- • Good character requirements
Enhanced certification for economically disadvantaged women-owned businesses. Provides access to both WOSB and EDWOSB set-aside contracts with additional opportunities.
Additional Benefits:
- • Access to all WOSB set-asides
- • EDWOSB-specific opportunities
- • Sole-source contracts up to $4M
- • Priority in competitive selections
Economic Disadvantage Criteria:
- • Personal net worth <$750,000
- • Adjusted gross income <$350,000
- • Fair market value of assets <$6M
- • Must demonstrate economic disadvantage
WOSB Certification Process
Verify your business meets all WOSB requirements before starting the application process.
- • Business must be at least 51% owned by women
- • Women must control day-to-day management
- • Must qualify as small business in primary industry
- • Women owners must be U.S. citizens
Collect all necessary documentation to support your certification application.
Ownership Documents:
- • Articles of incorporation
- • Operating agreement/bylaws
- • Stock certificates
- • Ownership transfer documents
Financial Documents:
- • Personal financial statements
- • Business tax returns (3 years)
- • Personal tax returns (3 years)
- • Bank statements
Select between SBA certification or third-party certifier for your WOSB application.
SBA Certification (Free)
- • No cost
- • 90-120 day process
- • Direct SBA review
- • 3-year certification
Third-Party Certifier
- • $1,500-3,000 cost
- • 30-60 day process
- • Faster processing
- • Additional support
Federal Contract Opportunities
✅ Types of WOSB Contracts:
- Set-Aside Contracts: Reserved exclusively for WOSB businesses
- Sole-Source Contracts: Direct awards up to $4M (EDWOSB)
- Competitive Contracts: Priority consideration in evaluations
- Subcontracting: Prime contractor subcontracting opportunities
🎯 High-Opportunity Industries:
- 1Professional Services: Consulting, management, training
- 2Information Technology: Software, cybersecurity, data
- 3Healthcare Services: Medical support, research
- 4Construction: Building, maintenance, engineering
WOSB Success Strategies
Proven Approach:
Successful WOSB contractors combine certification with strategic business development, relationship building, and capability demonstration.
Build Capabilities
Develop strong past performance, certifications, and technical capabilities
Network Actively
Attend industry events, meet contracting officers, build prime relationships
Proposal Excellence
Invest in professional proposal writing and competitive pricing strategies
Common WOSB Mistakes to Avoid
Important Warning:
False certification claims can result in criminal prosecution, civil penalties, and debarment from federal contracting.
Incomplete Documentation
Failing to provide complete ownership, control, and financial documentation
Control Issues
Male spouse or partner having excessive involvement in business operations
Size Standard Violations
Exceeding small business size standards for your primary industry
Recertification Lapses
Failing to recertify before your 3-year certification expires
Get Your FREE WOSB Certification Strategy Session
Book a complimentary consultation with our WOSB experts. Get personalized guidance on certification, contract opportunities, and federal contracting success strategies.
In Your FREE Strategy Session:
No obligations. Just expert guidance for your WOSB certification journey.