The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program reserves a share of federal contracts for qualifying women-owned firms. The government has a statutory goal of awarding at least 5% of federal contracting dollars to WOSBs each year, which makes certification a real competitive advantage. Here is who qualifies, how to certify, and how WOSB status works alongside a GSA Schedule.
What is the WOSB program?
Administered by the SBA, the WOSB Federal Contracting Program lets agencies set aside certain contracts for competition only among women-owned small businesses. A related designation, the Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), applies to firms whose owners also meet economic-disadvantage criteria.
Who qualifies as a women-owned small business?
- At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens
- A small business under the SBA size standard for its primary NAICS code
- Women manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions
How to get WOSB certified
- Ensure your SAM.gov registration is active.
- Create an account in the SBA certification portal (certify.SBA.gov).
- Upload ownership, control, and eligibility documentation.
- Submit and respond to any SBA requests during review.
Self-certification is no longer permitted—you must complete SBA certification (or use an approved third-party certifier) to compete for WOSB set-asides.
How WOSB status pairs with a GSA Schedule
A WOSB certification signals eligibility; a GSA Schedule gives agencies an easy way to actually buy from you. Contracting officers can set aside Schedule orders for WOSBs, so combining the two stacks your advantages. See related terms in our contracting glossary.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of federal contracts go to women-owned small businesses?
The governmentwide goal is at least 5% of federal prime contracting dollars awarded to WOSBs annually.
Can I self-certify as a WOSB?
No. You must obtain formal WOSB/EDWOSB certification through the SBA or an approved third-party certifier before competing for set-asides.
Want help combining your WOSB status with a GSA Schedule? Book a free discovery call. — Reviewed by the GSA Focus team.
