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Small Business Guide

Women-owned Small Businesses Concerns

The U.S. Small Business Administration published a final rule effective, 04 February 2011, aimed at expanding federal contracting opportunities for Women-Owned Small Business (WOSBs). The Federal Contract Program authorizes contracting officers to set-aside certain federal contracts for eligible WOSBs. To be eligible, a firm must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women. The women must be U.S. citizens. The firm must be "small" in accordance with Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards. In order for a WOSB to be deemed "economically disadvantaged" its owner must demonstrate its economic disadvantages through the requirements set forth in the final rule.

Requirements for Women-Owned (WOSB) and Economic Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Set-Asides

WOSB Set-Aside EDWOSB Set-Aside
Industries
  • The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to solicitation, IFB or quote is in an industry in which WOSBs are substantially underrepresented. (38 4-digit NAICS designated.
  • NAICS code assigned to solicitation, IFB or quote is in an industry in which WOSBs are substantially underrepresented.(45 4-digit NAICS designated.
Rule of two
  • Contracting officer has reasonable expectation that 2 or more WOSBS will submit an offer. * Note: All EDWOSBs are WOSBs
  • Contracting officer has reasonable expectation that 2 or more WOSBS will submit an offer. * Note: All WOSBs are EDWOSBs
Award Price
  • Anticipated award price including options does not exceed the statutory thresholds of $6.5M for manufacturing or $4M for other contracts.
  • Contract can be awarded at fair market price.

Basic Facts:

  • There are no sole source awards for WOSBs or EDWOSBs under this program.
  • The WOSB or EDWOSB must meet certain limitations on subcontracting. Joint ventures are permitted if certain requirements are met.

Small Business Guide

These pages provide additional information on promoting business with small businesses.

This page was last updated January 25, 2013.