SBA Expands Access to Federal Contracting Opportunities for Women-Owned Small Businesses

On October 7, 2010, the U.S. Small Business Administration published a final rule effective February 4, 2011, aimed at expanding federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses (WOSBs). The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program authorizes contracting officers to set aside certain federal contracts for eligible:

• Women-owned small businesses (WOSBs)
• Economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSBs)

To be eligible, a firm must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women, and primarily managed by one or more women. The women must be U.S. citizens. The firm must be “small” in its primary industry in accordance with SBA’s size standards for that industry. In order for a WOSB to be deemed “economically disadvantaged,” its owners must demonstrate economic disadvantage in accordance with the requirements set forth in the final rule.

Please go to www.sba.gov/wosb for more information and how to certify. For questions about the WOSB Program, you may contact the SBA Answer Desk at 1-800-U-ASK-SBA (1-800-827-5722) or email wosb@sba.gov. You can also contact your local PTAC office for questions or assistance about this program.