So, what's the issue with the Federal Contracting Program for Women-Owned Small Businesses? The program's purpose is to increase the number of industries in which women-owned small businesses can compete for federal contracts. Since its inception in 2011, this program has permitted WOSB and Economically Disadvantaged WOSBs (EDWOSB) set-asides in industries where they are underrepresented.
WOSBs interested in joining the program can get information from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Their "What You Need to Know if You're a Women-Owned Small Business" section outlines eligibility requirements, certification requirements, and a step-by-step participation guide.
Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification Definition
The Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) accreditation is a company-level diversity certification based on the Small Business Association's requirements (SBA). The WOSB program's goal is to give women-owned small businesses equal access to government contracting opportunities. WOSB certification may have different standards than other Woman-Owned certifications, such as WBE. Unlike the WBE program, the WOSB program does not often limit certified businesses to certain NAICS codes. Furthermore, some WBE-certified companies have no size limits, but WOSB mandates that the company fulfill the SBA's size criterion.
A company must be 51 percent owned and controlled by a female U.S. citizen to be eligible for the SBA's WOSB program. There may be extra or reduced requirements depending on whether the organization is getting certified at the national or local level. Some states, for example, may not consider a woman-owned business to be a small business, even though the federal Small Business Administration does.
Certifications can be provided by third-party organizations, or individuals can self-certify. An organization must normally complete an application and provide supporting paperwork in both circumstances.
How to Get WOSB Certified
The SBA will no longer allow firms to self-certify as of summer 2020. There are now two options for obtaining WOSB certification:
1. Add the WOSB certification to your WBE certification (the easiest option!):
– To add on the WOSB, select "Yes" on question 1 of your WBE application or recertification.
– Upload a copy of your current SAM.gov registration. Before you can become WOSB certified, you must be a member of SAM.gov. SAM.gov registration is free of charge.
- Add a piece of supporting evidence, such as your quarterly tax return or a list of employees, to your application.
OR
2. Submit a direct application to the SBA:
- See https://certify.sba.gov/ for further information.
- This option necessitates the completion of a separate application and the uploading of many of the same documents as the WBE application that will be evaluated by the SBA.
- You must also be registered with SAM.gov to use this option.
SBA Set-Aside Program Portal: Upload Your WOSB Certificate
Whether you are certified directly through the SBA or us, the SBA has created a new central location for all WOSBs to upload their certificate (this is called third-party certified).
FIRST double check that you are eligible for the set-aside program: https://www.wbenc.org/am-i-eligible
I’m eligible and have my WOSB certificate:
To use the new SBA site, all firms must register a new account, submit an application, and upload all essential papers, including your WOSB certificate. To assure eligibility, these actions are essential even if you are already WOSB certified.
- Visit https://beta.certify.sba.gov for more information.
- Click in Get Started button at the bottom of the page.
- Create an account by clicking the Create Account button.
- Login.gov will take you to the SBA Connect website.
- Create an account and declare your business by following the steps, then apply and upload your WBENC-issued WOSB certificate.
- The SBA will send you an official confirmation after your certification has been validated.
I'm not eligible and have a WOSB certificate to prove it:
If your industry isn't listed in the acceptable NAICS code list, you won't be able to participate in the program. You can still update your status to WOSB via the System for Award Management (SAM).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an extra charge for adding the WOSB?
No!
Is it possible to get WOSB certified without being a WBE?
We will only include the WOSB certificate for individuals who are WBE eligible. We will not finalize your WOSB certificate if your WBE application is denied. You can apply for WOSB directly through the SBA.
Please keep in mind that you cannot add on the WOSB in the middle of the year. It must be added to your certification or recertification application at the time of submission.
I completely neglected to include WOSB in my WBE application. Is it possible to add it later?
No, once you've filed your application, we won't be able to add the WOSB application retrospectively this year. We urge that you apply directly to the SBA this year.
You can, however, include it in your WBE recertification the following year by answering "yes" to question 1 of your WBE application and providing your supporting documentation.
My registration with SAM.gov is taking a long time to process. Is this going to have an impact on my WBE application?
No. While we recommend registering with SAM.gov well ahead of time before submitting your WBE application, we recognize that SAM.gov can take some time to respond. We process WBE and WOSB certifications separately, so your WBE will be processed while you wait for SAM.gov to complete your WOSB.
When can I anticipate my WOSB after earning my WBE?
You should expect the WOSB certificate to arrive in about 1-2 weeks after you obtain your new WBE certificate, as long as we have all of the required documentation, including your SAM.gov registration.
WBENC currently has me certified as a WOSB. Do the new SBA certification procedure and changes to self-certification affect me?
No! Please continue to select yes on question 1 of your WBE recertification form each year to seek the WOSB, and we will ensure that your WOSB certificate remains valid. This is known as third-party certification, and it will continue to be a viable method of obtaining your WOSB certificate.
Where can I obtain a copy of the WOSB logo?
The Small Business Administration does not have an official WOSB logo that businesses can use. However, the logo at the top of the page, which can be accessed on Google, is used by the majority of WOSB-certified businesses.
Is it possible for you to certify me as an EDWOSB as well?
No, the EDWOSB certificate is not available from us (Economically Disadvantaged WOSB). For this program, you must apply directly to the SBA. A wonderful brief article on the differences between WOSB and EDWOSB can be found here.
What is the difference between WBENC and WOSB?
WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise National Council) is the leading private sector certification that gives women-owned firms a competitive advantage in corporate bidding.
The Women's Business Enterprise National Council, or WBENC (pronounced WE-BANK), is the primary authority on and certification organization for women-owned businesses in the United States and its territories. WBENC is based in Washington, DC, and has 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs) across the country.
To protect the integrity of the WBENC Certification program, each RPO processes certification applications on behalf of WBENC and follows strict Standards and Procedures.
Women-Owned Small Business Federal (WOSB-Federal) is a certification that women-owned firms must have to bid on federal contracts in the public sector.
The Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) certification is a component of the WOSB program. Both WOSB and EDWOSB are nationally recognized certification programs that help women-owned small companies gain access to federal contracts "put aside" for WOSBs in underrepresented industries, leveling the playing field for women-owned small businesses.
WOSB accreditation also allows women-owned businesses to participate in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), which is used by the federal government to categorize enterprises. The Small Business Association wants to expand the areas covered by WOSB accreditation so that more women-owned businesses can profit.
How long is WOSB Certification?
The SBA's Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting program has WBENC as an approved third-party certifier.
WBENC allows women-owned businesses to apply for WOSB certification at the same time that they apply for WBENC certification.
The SBA will grant a three-year WOSB Certification that will need an annual attestation on beta.certify.sba.gov. WBENC will continue to process your WOSB recertification annually to upload as part of your attestation requirement if you are certified through WBENC.
Eligibility
- The applicant company must be "small" in its core industry, as defined by the SBA's size guidelines, as outlined in 13 CFR 127. For verification, please see the list of NAICS and their size specifications.
- One or more women who are U.S. citizens must hold and control at least 51 percent (51%) of the application company unconditionally and directly.
- One or more of the women owners must be in charge of management and day-to-day operations.
- Women entrepreneurs must make long-term business decisions.
- For CORPORATIONS ONLY, one of the following criteria must also be true:
- Women must either make up a majority of the Board of Directors or have a majority of the votes cast by the Board of Directors using weighted voting.
- Women must have 51 percent of the voting power, sit on the Board of Directors, and have enough voting power to override any supermajority requirement.
- To guarantee that the applicant company meets the WBENC WOSB Standards, WBENC adopts a two-step method. This will entail a thorough examination of the documentation provided as well as a site visit interview with the female proprietors.
- Please visit the WOSB Ready website to learn more about the program's criteria.
- View a complete list of the NAICS Codes for the WOSB Program.
Additional Conditions
- The applicant must be in possession of a DUNS number.
- The applicant must be a member of SAM* (System for Award Management)
- *NOTE: There is NO CHARGE to register for SAM. Please make sure you're on the right website: www.sam.gov.
- See the extra instructions if you're having trouble registering in SAM
How to Become a Woman-Owned Business Certified
Documentation Required
- SAM proof of ACTIVE registration (Printout of Entity Overview)
- Visit www.sam.gov (NOTE: When using the correct government website, there is NO FEE for SAM registration.)
- Visit www.sam.gov (NOTE: When using the correct government website, there is NO FEE for SAM registration.)
- From the My SAM menu, select "Register/Update Entity."
- Select "Completed Registrations" from the drop-down menu.
- Under Entity List, select Company Name.
- Under Registration Details, select "View."
- The entity opens up. a general overview for printing
- Before the status of SAM registration can be set to Active, it must be validated. This process usually takes 3-5 business days, but it is now taking several weeks due to a new requirement (see below). If you are interested, please start the SAM procedure right away to avoid any delays in the certification process.
- Entities registering in SAM must submit a notarized letter appointing their approved Entity Administrator by June 11, 2018.
- One of the following documents must be submitted:
- The first page of IRS Form 941 printed out (for the previous 4 quarters)
- W-3 from the prior year
- Employees currently on the payroll (ONLY if the previous two items do not apply to our company)
- Please submit a declaration stating that you are the sole employee or operator of the application company if you are a single owner.
How to Make an Application
If the applicant wants to apply for WOSB certification, they must respond "Yes" to the first question in Section 1: General Information, "Would you like to apply for WOSB Certification?"
NOTE: When applying as a new or recertifying WBE, applicants may only apply for WOSB Certification.
In the 'Required Documents' box, upload the WOSB documentation.
Once you've received your WOSB/WBENC certification, you're ready to go.
Once WOSB/WBENC Certification is granted
To be eligible to participate in the WOSB Federal Contracting Program, applicants must complete the extra United States SBA mandated steps after receiving WOSB/WBENC certification. To check whether you're eligible or not, go here.
- WOSB should be used to represent status in the System for Award Management (SAM).
- Visit beta.certify.sba.gov for more information.
New Applicants
- Click on the Get Started button.
- Click Create a User Account
- Login.gov will take you to the SBA Connect website.
- To claim your business, click creates an account (or login), then submit an application and upload your WBENC-issued WOSB certificate.
- The SBA will send you an official confirmation after your certification has been validated.
Recertification Applicants
- Each company must connect into their Beta Certify account to submit an annual attestation to the SBA by uploading an updated WBENC WOSB Certificate and completing the Attestation procedures.
- Within 30 days after the company's anniversary date, this process must be completed.
Is WOSB Certification Right for Me?
The WBENC certification might help businesses who want to collaborate with large corporations and government bodies. While it does not guarantee you business, it does provide you with access to a network of decision-makers in procurement and supplier diversity offices around the country. Many companies require WBENC certification before allowing you to participate in their supplier diversity programs.
As a certified Women's Business Enterprise, or WBE, you'll be eligible for the following benefits:
- A WBE certificate that can be used to apply for procurement opportunities from companies and government organizations that have supplier diversity programs.
- Create a profile for your company in WBENC Link, an online directory used by hundreds of companies looking to partner with women-owned businesses across the United States.
- Have access to a national database of companies that accept WBENC certification.
- Include a distinctive WBENC seal on your stationery, business cards, and other marketing materials.
- At national and local networking events, matchmaking meetings, and trade shows, meet other WBEs as well as corporate and government buyers.
The government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that engage in the women's contracting program to help level the playing field for women business owners.
These contracts are for industries with a low percentage of women-owned small businesses (WOSB). Some contracts are only available to women-owned small enterprises that are economically disadvantaged (EDWOSB). The SBA keeps track of which industries are eligible and what their NAICS codes are.
When a company joins the WOSB Government Contracting Program, it becomes eligible to compete for federal contracts that have been set aside for the program.
WBENC allows women-owned businesses to acquire both WBENC and WOSB certifications in the same process.