SBA Expands the List of Eligible Industries for WOSB

SBA expands contracting opportunities for certified women-owned small businesses (“WOSB”) with 70% increase in eligible industries.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize the contributions of the women who have shaped our nation’s history. Women-owned businesses have become one of the fastest growing segments of the small business community. Today, there are more than 12 million women-owned small businesses in the U.S.

The federal government has set a goal every year to award at least 5% of federal contracting dollars to Certified WOSB (approximately $30 Billion in awards annually). This goal helps to level the playing field in industries where WOSB and Economically Disadvantaged (“ED”)WOSB are underrepresented.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) has published an updated list of eligible industries for the Certified WOSB Federal Contracting Program. Congress requires the SBA to conduct a study every five years to identify industries in which small businesses owned and controlled by women are underrepresented in the federal marketplace. 

Based on a recently commissioned study, the SBA is increasing the number of eligible industries (by NAICS Code) from 444 to 759 to create more opportunities to award contracting dollars to Certified WOSB.

Of the 759 eligible industries, 646 are designated for limited competition among all Certified WOSB program participants, and 113 are eligible for competition among Certified EDWOSB only.

Buyers across the federal government are also looking for more Certified WOSB to meet their small business award goals.

Click here to access the List of Eligible NAICS for WOSB/EDWOSB.

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