In order to qualify as a WOSB, the business must be woman-owned (51% or more) and controlled.  A woman must manage the business day-to-day, directly own the business, and make long term decisions.

In order to participate in WOSB opportunities, a WOSB must register in Central Contractor Registration (CCR) as a woman owned small business, and self-certify in the ORCA – Online Representations and Certifications system as a woman owned small business.  Documents verifying eligibility as a woman owned small business must be uploaded to the WOSB Program Repository.  Eligibility is required as of the date of initial offer on a government contract opportunity.  The SBA is authorized to conduct program examinations to verify the eligibility of a WOSB at any time, either on its own initiative or upon a protest from a competitor.

Under the WOSB Program, competition for specific government contracts may be restricted to WOSB in NAICS codes in which WOSB aresubstantially underrepresented.   A contracting officer may set-aside a contract for WOSB if the contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that two or more WOSBs will submit offers and the contract can be awarded at a fair and reasonable price.

The Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) is a WOSB owned by one or more women with a personal net worth of less than $750,000 – excluding the value of the business, primary residence, and retirement of the owner.  The woman’s 3-year average income cannot exceed $350,000; and the fair market value of all assets cannot exceed $6 million.  For more details, see 13 CFR Part 127.

Competition for a specific contract may be restricted to EDWOSB is NAICS codes in which women-owned small business concerns areunderrepresented.

To review the affected industry codes for industries in which WOSB are underrepresented or substantially underrepresented, see www.sba.gov/WOSB.

Contact us for assistance with your WOSB or EDWOSB.

Congress has established statutory and aspirational goals designed to help small businesses compete for government contracts. Goals: 23% of all prime contracting dollars to small business, 3% participation by small businesses in HUBZones, 5% participation by small businesses owned by women, 5% so socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and 3% to service-disabled veterans.

The task force is to provide proposals and recommendations for using innovative strategies such as teaming to increase opportunities, removing barriers by unbundling large projects, expanding outreach to match firms with contracting and subcontracting opportunities, and establishing policies to assist with the objectives. The memorandum also directs development of a web site to improve transparency and accountability.

For more information on government contracts contracting and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, contact Karen S. Hindson of Hindson & Melton LLC.