Search every WOSB and EDWOSB set-aside federal opportunity, then let AI draft the proposal.
Eligibility — are you WOSBs?
Sourced from the official program page
- At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are US citizens
- Women must manage day-to-day operations and long-term decision-making
- Small business under SBA size standards for primary NAICS code
- For EDWOSB designation: women owners must also meet economic disadvantage thresholds
- Must be certified through SBA Certify.SBA.gov or an approved Third Party Certifier (TPC)
- NAICS code must be one of the ~340 industries eligible for WOSB set-asides
Contracting advantages for WOSBs
Why WOSBs have a structural edge on federal opportunities.
- WOSB set-aside contracts — only certified WOSBs can compete
- EDWOSB set-aside contracts — more restrictive subset for economically disadvantaged women-owned firms
- Sole-source authority up to $7M (manufacturing) or $4.5M (services) since 2020
- Federal goal: 5% of contract dollars to WOSBs — under-shot most years
- Free SBA business counselling and growth resources
- Eligibility for All Small Mentor-Protégé Program joint ventures
Where WOSBs typically compete
Typical contract value: $100K – $7M per award
Top NAICS codes
Top contracting agencies
- Department of Defense (DOD)
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- GSA Federal Acquisition Service
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Department of Energy (DOE)
Challenges WOSBs face
The friction points we hear most from WOSBs doing federal work.
- Distinguishing WOSB set-asides from EDWOSB set-asides at filter time
- Confirming your primary NAICS code is on the WOSB-eligible list (~340 of ~1,000+ codes)
- Annual recertification deadlines (every three years) that can lapse without warning
- Competing against large primes who use WOSB subcontractors as window-dressing on full-and-open bids
How WinAContract helps WOSBs
What we built specifically for the WOSB workflow.
- One-click filter for WOSB vs EDWOSB set-asides — no more reading every solicitation cover page
- AI drafts proposal narratives with embedded WOSB capability language
- Recertification reminder alerts pinned to your certification expiry date
- Past-performance library tagged with WOSB references for fast pull-through into new bids
Frequently asked
What is the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?
EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged WOSB) is a stricter subset of WOSB. EDWOSB owners must meet personal net worth, income, and asset thresholds (similar to the 8(a) program). EDWOSBs can bid on both EDWOSB and WOSB set-asides; WOSBs can only bid on WOSB set-asides.
How do I get certified as a WOSB?
Self-certification ended in 2020. You must now certify through Certify.SBA.gov or an SBA-approved Third Party Certifier (Department of Veterans Affairs CVE, US Women's Chamber of Commerce, El Paso Hispanic Chamber, NWBOC).
How long does WOSB certification take?
Through Certify.SBA.gov: typically 60-90 days. Through a TPC: often 30-60 days but with a fee. Once certified, you must recertify every three years.
Are all NAICS codes eligible for WOSB set-asides?
No. Only ~340 NAICS codes (out of 1,000+) are designated as WOSB-eligible, based on industries where women-owned firms are underrepresented. Check the SBA WOSB NAICS list before targeting.
Join the WOSBs waitlist
Free pre-launch access notification — no card required. We'll let you know the moment WOSB-specific features ship.