WOSB and EDWOSB Federal Contracting Programs
The federal government offers an economically disadvantaged woman-owned small business (EDWOSB) program certification for qualifying women entrepreneurs. This federal program makes it easier for women-owned firms to compete for federal contracts, win contracts, and ultimately grow.
Discover how a women-owned business certification can help you meet your small-business goals. Learn more about the EDWOSB program, the benefits of certification, and how Rafael Marrero & Company can help.
WOSB and EDWOSB Federal Contracting Programs
The federal government offers an economically disadvantaged woman-owned small business (EDWOSB) program certification for qualifying women entrepreneurs. This federal program makes it easier for women-owned firms to compete for federal contracts, win contracts, and ultimately grow.
Discover how a women-owned business certification can help you meet your small-business goals. Learn more about the EDWOSB program, the benefits of certification, and how Rafael Marrero & Company can help.
Advantages of Women-Owned Business Certification
Under Federal Law (Public Law 106-554), this program provides federal agencies a tool to achieve women-owned small businesses (WOSB) contracting goals (5% of its prime contracting dollars must be awarded to WOSBs). If you qualify for EDWOSB or WOSB program certification, then you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Increased visibility
- Access to program networking and educational opportunities
- Access to federal contracts set aside for WOSBs
How the EDWOSB Program Works
Find out how to apply for a women-owned business certification with consultation from Rafael Marrero & Company. We help you navigate the EDWOSB program certification requirements to stay up-to-date with set aside contracts and sole-source contracts for women entrepreneurs.
Set Aside Contracts for Women Entrepreneurs
The WOSB Federal Contract Program allows Contracting Officers (COs) to set aside contracts for WOSBs or EDWOSBs under certain conditions.
Industries:
- WOSB: NAICS code assigned to contract solicitation is in an industry in which WOSBs are substantially underrepresented (92 Industry Groups – 365 NAICS Codes).
- EDWOSB: NAICS code assigned to contract solicitation is in an industry in which WOSBs are underrepresented (21 Industry Groups – 80 NAICS Codes).
“Rule of Two”: Contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that 2 or more WOSBs will submit an offer.
Award Price: Contract must be awarded at a fair market price.
Sole Source Contracts for Women
Per the SBA, as of December 2015, the program also allows Contracting Officers (COs) to grant contracts to WOSBs and EDWOSBs under Sole-Source Authority:
- Is the contract in a WOSB/EDWOSB eligible NAICS code?
- Is the contract (including options) valued at $6.5 million or less for manufacturing contracts or $4 million or less for all other contracts?
- Can the contract be awarded to the WOSB/EDWOSB at a fair and reasonable price?
- In the determination of the contracting officer, is there a reasonable expectation that there is only one WOSB/EDWOSB that can perform?
In March 2016, the eligible industries were revised and expanded to 113 based on the new Department of Commerce study. A total of 36 new industries were added to the program, six industries were removed from the program, and 27 industries had their designation changed between WOSB and EDWOSB.
Request a Consultation With Rafael Marrero & Company
The certification process for women-owned businesses is laborious. Fortunately, Rafael Marrero & Company saves you the headaches of applying. Receive a consultation to discover how to apply for a women-owned business certification with our expert team.
Set Aside Contracts for Women Entrepreneurs
The WOSB Federal Contract Program allows Contracting Officers (COs) to set aside contracts for WOSBs or EDWOSBs under certain conditions.
Industries:
- WOSB: NAICS code assigned to contract solicitation is in an industry in which WOSBs are substantially underrepresented (92 Industry Groups – 365 NAICS Codes).
- EDWOSB: NAICS code assigned to contract solicitation is in an industry in which WOSBs are underrepresented (21 Industry Groups – 80 NAICS Codes).
“Rule of Two”: Contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that 2 or more WOSBs will submit an offer.
Award Price: Contract must be awarded at a fair market price.
Sole Source Contracts for Women
Per the SBA, as of December 2015, the program also allows Contracting Officers (COs) to grant contracts to WOSBs and EDWOSBs under Sole-Source Authority:
- Is the contract in a WOSB/EDWOSB eligible NAICS code?
- Is the contract (including options) valued at $6.5 million or less for manufacturing contracts or $4 million or less for all other contracts?
- Can the contract be awarded to the WOSB/EDWOSB at a fair and reasonable price?
- In the determination of the contracting officer, is there a reasonable expectation that there is only one WOSB/EDWOSB that can perform?
In March 2016, the eligible industries were revised and expanded to 113 based on the new Department of Commerce study. A total of 36 new industries were added to the program, six industries were removed from the program, and 27 industries had their designation changed between WOSB and EDWOSB.
Request a Consultation With Rafael Marrero & Company
The certification process for women-owned businesses is laborious. Fortunately, Rafael Marrero & Company saves you the headaches of applying. Receive a consultation to discover how to apply for a women-owned business certification with our expert team.
Initial Consultation - Free of Charge
The certification process for women-owned businesses is laborious. Fortunately, Rafael Marrero & Company saves you the headaches of applying.