The WOSB Program is a program that authorizes contracting officers to specifically limiting, or 

setting aside, certain requirements for competition solely amongst women-owned small 

businesses (WOSBs) or economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses 

(EDWOSBs).  

What is the purpose of the WOSB Program?

The Federal government has both prime contracting and subcontracting goals for small 

businesses.  More specifically, 23% of Federal prime contracts dollars shall be awarded to small 

businesses, with individual prime and subcontracting goals for certain identified small business 

groups.  The Federal government must award 5% of its prime and subcontract dollars to women owned small businesses.  In addition, each Federal agency negotiates annual small business goals

with the Small Business Administration (SBA) that presents, for that agency, the maximum 

practicable opportunity for small businesses. The goal attained by the individual agency is then 

used to calculate the Government-wide small business goal, including the individual prime and 

subcontracting goals for the identified small business groups, such as women-owned small 

businesses.

One purpose of this program is to enable contracting officers to meet these goals by specifically 

limiting, or setting aside, certain requirements for competition solely amongst WOSBs or 

EDWOSBs and ensure a level playing field on which such small businesses can compete for 

Federal contracting opportunities.  

 Additional documents for further information

Outline of Presentation by ABC & WCOE

Summary Factsheet

Compliance Guide

EDWOSB Certification

NAICS Codes

WOSB Certification Checklist