Women-owned businesses (economically disadvantaged track) unlock federal set-asides + sole-source awards.
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB) certifications enable federal set-aside contracts in 100+ NAICS codes underrepresented by women-owned firms. EDWOSB adds sole-source authority up to $4.5M. Requires 51%+ female ownership + control, personal net worth <$850K for EDWOSB. Federal 5% procurement goal, ~$25B/yr addressable. Self-certification ended 2020; now requires SBA or third-party certifier (WBENC).
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Socially/economically disadvantaged owners get 9 years of set-aside contracts + sole-source awards up to $4.5M.
Business in a designated HUBZone + 35% of workforce living in HUBZone = federal set-aside + 10% price preference.
Service-disabled veteran (or veteran) owners get federal set-asides + sole-source + VA 3% procurement goal.
Get on the GSA Multiple Award Schedule — pre-approved to sell to any federal agency without re-competing.
Register on SAM.gov (free) and sell up to $10K per federal purchase order with zero bidding.
Partner with a large prime contractor via SBA-approved JV — bid on set-aside contracts using their past performance.
Non-dilutive federal R&D grants: $50–275K Phase I → $750K–$2M Phase II → unlimited Phase III sole-source.
Sub-contract on a prime's federal deal → CPARS rating → qualifies you to prime your own contracts.