WOSB and EDWOSB Certification
The Women-Owned Small Business federal contracting program restricts certain competitions to WOSB and EDWOSB firms in designated NAICS codes. Self-certification is no longer sufficient — you must be certified by the SBA or an approved third-party certifier.
- Who it's for
- Women-owned and economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses
- Primary benefit
- Set-aside eligibility in industries where women-owned firms are underrepresented
- Term / renewal
- Three years, with annual attestation
- Certifying authority
- U.S. Small Business Administration or an approved third-party certifier
Key takeaways
- Certification opens doors — it does not win proposals on its own.
- Keep your SAM.gov registration, NAICS list, and capability narrative synchronized with the certification record.
- Target set-aside solicitations where the certification narrows the field to a handful of credible bidders.
- Pair the certification with same-scope past performance to convert eligibility into awards.
Eligibility requirements
The firm must be a small business at least 51% unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. EDWOSB adds economic tests: personal net worth, adjusted gross income, and total asset limits per SBA rules.
How to apply
Apply at certify.sba.gov, or submit through an approved third-party certifier and then link the certification in your SBA profile. You'll provide ownership and control documents, operating agreements, tax returns, and for EDWOSB the personal financial disclosures.
How to use it competitively
Check whether your NAICS codes are on the WOSB-eligible list before building a pipeline around the certification — eligibility is industry-specific. Where your NAICS is EDWOSB-restricted, the competitive pool is often very small, which is where the certification pays for itself.
FAQ
Is self-certification still allowed?
No. Firms must be certified by SBA or an SBA-approved third-party certifier to receive WOSB or EDWOSB set-aside awards.
Can I hold WOSB and 8(a) at once?
Yes. Multiple certifications can be held simultaneously if you meet each program's requirements.
How long does certification take?
SBA processing typically runs 60 to 90 days once your documentation is complete.
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