What is a WOSB set-aside contract?

A WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) set-aside is a federal contract reserved for businesses 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens. Set-asides are available in NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are underrepresented in federal contracting. Contracting officers can also set aside contracts where at least two WOSBs are expected to submit offers at fair market prices.

What is the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?

WOSB is the base Women-Owned Small Business designation. EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged WOSB) is for businesses where the owner's personal net worth is under $850,000 (excluding home and business equity), adjusted gross income averages under $400,000, and total assets are under $6.5M. EDWOSBs can compete for both EDWOSB and WOSB set-asides, giving them access to more opportunities.

What is the federal WOSB spending goal?

The federal government has a statutory goal to award 5% of all prime and subcontract dollars to WOSBs annually. This represents tens of billions of dollars in contracts across all federal agencies.

How do I get WOSB certified?

Apply through the SBA's Certify.sba.gov portal. You must prove 51% unconditional ownership and management control by a woman (or women) who are U.S. citizens. Documentation includes organizational documents, financial statements, and a personal financial statement. Processing typically takes 60–90 days.

Women-Owned Small Business

WOSB Contracts:
5% Federal Goal
Is Real Money

The federal government must award 5% of prime contract dollars to women-owned small businesses. GovScout Pro scans SAM.gov daily for WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides in your NAICS codes and delivers them before deadlines hit.

Get WOSB Opportunity Alerts → WOSB vs. EDWOSB

Federal Spending Goal

$25B+

Awarded Annually

400+

Eligible NAICS Codes

Know the Difference

WOSB vs. EDWOSB

Two designations, two sets of opportunities. EDWOSB opens more doors — check if you qualify.

Requirement	WOSB	EDWOSB
51% ownership by woman/women	✓ Required	✓ Required
Day-to-day management by woman	✓ Required	✓ Required
U.S. citizenship	✓ Required	✓ Required
SBA small business size standards	✓ Required	✓ Required
Personal net worth ≤ $850K	Not required	✓ Required
Avg. AGI ≤ $400K (3 years)	Not required	✓ Required
Total assets ≤ $6.5M	Not required	✓ Required
Can bid on WOSB set-asides	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Can bid on EDWOSB set-asides	✗ No	✓ Yes

Where the Money Is

Top NAICS Codes for WOSB Set-Asides

WOSB set-asides are available in industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented in federal contracting. These categories consistently produce high opportunity volume.

541611

Admin Management Consulting

541512

Computer Systems Design

561320

Temporary Help Services

621111

Office Physicians

541330

Engineering Services

236220

Commercial Construction

561210

Facilities Support Services

541519

Other Computer Services

524114

Direct Health Insurance Carriers

485999

All Other Transit/Ground Transport

811219

Other Electronic/Precision Repair

561499

All Other Business Support

How GovScout Pro Helps

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DELIVERY

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TRACKING

Amendment Monitoring

SAM.gov amendments kill proposals. GovScout Pro monitors your tracked solicitations and alerts you the moment something changes.

FAQ

WOSB Questions Answered

Can a WOSB also be SDVOSB certified?▼

Yes. If a service-disabled woman veteran owns 51% of the business, she can qualify for both WOSB/EDWOSB and SDVOSB certifications simultaneously. These stack — you can compete for both WOSB set-asides and SDVOSB set-asides, dramatically increasing your opportunity pool.

Is third-party WOSB certification required?▼

The SBA eliminated the third-party certification option in 2020. All WOSBs and EDWOSBs must now be certified directly through the SBA's Certify.sba.gov portal. Previously accepted third-party certifications from organizations like NWBOC are no longer valid for federal WOSB set-asides.

How long is WOSB certification valid?▼

WOSB certification is ongoing but requires an annual certification update through the SBA's portal confirming you still meet eligibility requirements. You must also recertify when ownership or management changes significantly.

What NAICS codes are eligible for WOSB set-asides?▼

The SBA publishes a list of NAICS codes where women-owned firms are underrepresented or substantially underrepresented in federal contracting. EDWOSB set-asides are available for "substantially underrepresented" codes, while WOSB set-asides cover the broader "underrepresented" list. The SBA updates this list periodically — check the current list at sba.gov before bidding.

Can my husband or male co-founder own part of my WOSB?▼

Yes, as long as the woman owner holds at least 51% unconditional ownership and genuine management control. The husband or co-founder can hold up to 49% but cannot be the highest-paid employee, cannot hold a superior position to the woman owner, and cannot effectively control major decisions. SBA examiners look closely at community property states.

WOSB Contracts:5% Federal GoalIs Real Money