U.S. federal contracting
WOSB and EDWOSB certification requirements
WOSB requires a small business to be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens. EDWOSB adds financial requirements. Neither status makes every federal contract a women-owned set-aside.
Ownership and control are both required
The qualifying women must own at least 51% of the business and manage its daily operations and long-term decisions. An ownership percentage establishes only part of that requirement. The company’s governance documents and actual management also matter. SBA certification programs ↗.
For example, a woman could hold the qualifying ownership share while another person has veto powers or operating authority. That arrangement raises a control question that the ownership percentage alone cannot answer. SBA must assess the relevant facts under its rules.
What changes for EDWOSB?
An EDWOSB must also meet the economic-disadvantage requirements. Under the current rule, personal net worth must be less than $850,000, with specified exclusions. Average income over three years and total assets have separate tests: income above $400,000 creates a rebuttable presumption, while assets above $6.5 million generally indicate a lack of economic disadvantage. 13 CFR 127.203: EDWOSB finances ↗.
The rule also addresses spouses and transfers. Because the exclusions and treatment differ between tests, one adjusted figure cannot stand in for all three. Prepare the requested financial information for the official application; our worksheet does not collect personal financial documents.
Which contracts use the certification?
For a WOSB or EDWOSB set-aside, compare the opportunity’s assigned NAICS with the current WOSB eligible industries ↗. The business may hold a certification without a particular opportunity being reserved for that program. State agencies and private buyers may require other certificates.
Direct application and third-party certification
The direct SBA application through MySBA has no government application charge. An approved third-party certification provider may charge a fee. Before choosing one, confirm that it is currently approved and ask which certificate, services and validity period the fee covers.
Third-party certification does not remove the SBA submission requirements in the official guidance. A consultant’s fee is also an optional private expense, not a compulsory government charge. The budget worksheet separates those expenses from the free official services.
Preparing the application
- Check the company’s record, small-business size and qualifying ownership and control.
- Gather the ownership and governance documents requested by the official application.
- For EDWOSB, prepare financial records using the applicable rules and exclusions.
- Complete the MySBA questionnaires, contributor tasks and document uploads.
- Review and submit. Save the confirmation and any subsequent requests for information.
Examinations and continuing eligibility
The regulation provides a three-year examination framework, with recertification or notification of a third-party examination. A later examination may affect the relevant dates, so use the eligibility period in your official record. 13 CFR 127.400: WOSB maintenance ↗.
As checked on 8 October 2026, SBA says annual attestation is in abeyance. That temporary position may change. The maintenance guide explains how to organize the applicable dates and notices. A reinstatement provision does not guarantee uninterrupted eligibility after decertification.
Sources
Sources checked 8 October 2026. Regulations reflect the official consolidated text available through 6 October. Check current SBA notices before applying.