The certification process for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) and Economically Disadvantaged WOSBs (EDWOSBs) has changed. SBA has implemented Congress’ changes to the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program (WOSB Federal Contracting Program), as put forth in the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
These updated regulations make it easier for qualified small businesses to participate in the WOSB Federal Contracting Program by improving the customer experience. At the same time, SBA is strengthening oversight and maintaining the integrity of the certification process.
With the updated WOSB Federal Contracting Program regulations in effect:
- SBA’s new, free online certification process for WOSBs and EDWOSBs is live on WOSB.Certify.sba.gov To apply:
o Establish a profile in the federal government’s System for Award Management, www.sam.gov – your firm will be assigned a SAM UEI number.
o Once a SAM UEI number is assigned, please visit WOSB.Certify.sba.gov to create a profile and begin an application.
- SBA allows participation from firms certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Center of Verification and Evaluations, provided they meet all eligibility requirements.
- SBA allows continued participation from businesses that utilize approved Third-Party Certifiers (TPCs) to obtain WOSB or EDWOSB certification.
- All firms will have to use the new, free online certification process at WOSB.Certify.sba.gov, including uploading TPC-certified documentation for processing.
Please note, there are resources to assist you with the application process. The Knowledge Base · WOSB.Certify.sba.gov contains instructional videos, user guides, and more information.
For more information about the application process, you are welcome to register for our Welcome to WOSB pre-application webinar series. Held on the third Thursday of each month, our team will offer an overview of the program and answer many initial questions. You can find more information and sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/welcome-to-wosb-webinar-tickets-482397041537
In addition, if you need assistance with your business and entering the federal marketplace, we encourage you to contact your local Apex Accelerator, as they can provide you with counseling and tools to assist your business. Please visit the following website for more information: Apex Accelerators.