Guide
How to Find WOSB Set-AsideFederal Contracts
The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) program sets aside federal contracts for certified women-owned businesses. If you have WOSB or EDWOSB certification, here's how to find awarded contracts in your industry, identify the agencies spending the most, and research your competitors.
Confirm your WOSB or EDWOSB certification
To bid on WOSB set-aside contracts, your business must be certified through the SBA. As of 2023, self-certification is no longer accepted — you need third-party certification through an SBA-approved certifier or directly through certify.sba.gov. EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business) certification unlocks additional set-aside contracts in specific NAICS codes.
Find your NAICS code
Federal contracts are categorized by NAICS code. Use the Federal Contract Tracker's autocomplete — type your industry (e.g., 'janitorial', 'consulting', 'construction') and select the matching code. WOSB set-asides are available in specific NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are underrepresented. The SBA maintains the list of eligible codes.
Search for awarded WOSB contracts
On the Federal Contract Tracker, enter your NAICS code and select "Women-Owned Small Business" from the set-aside filter. This shows every WOSB contract that has been awarded in your industry — who won, which agency awarded it, and the dollar amount. This is your competitive landscape.
Compare WOSB and EDWOSB awards
Run two searches: one with WOSB and one with EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged WOSB). EDWOSB set-asides are available in more NAICS codes and may have less competition. If you qualify for EDWOSB, you can bid on both WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides, doubling your opportunities.
Track agency spending patterns
Use the Spending by Agency tab to see which agencies award the most WOSB contracts in your NAICS code. Some agencies have stronger small business programs than others. The Trends page shows quarterly spending over time — look for agencies increasing their WOSB spending.
Search WOSB contracts now
Enter your NAICS code, select the WOSB or EDWOSB filter, and see every awarded contract in your industry. Free — 10 searches per day, no registration.
Search WOSB contracts freeOther set-aside types
The Federal Contract Tracker supports all major set-aside types:
For socially and economically disadvantaged businesses
Businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
General small business set-asides
Frequently asked questions
What is a WOSB set-aside contract?
A WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business) set-aside is a federal contract reserved exclusively for certified women-owned small businesses. The program was created to help women-owned businesses compete in industries where they are underrepresented. Only businesses with current WOSB certification through the SBA can bid on these contracts.
What is the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?
WOSB is for any certified women-owned small business. EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business) is for women-owned businesses where the woman owner's personal net worth is below $750,000 (excluding home and business equity). EDWOSB set-asides are available in more NAICS codes, giving qualifying businesses access to more opportunities.
How do I get WOSB certification?
Apply through certify.sba.gov or an SBA-approved third-party certifier. Your business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. The women owners must manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions. Self-certification is no longer accepted as of January 2023.
What are the contract dollar limits for WOSB set-asides?
Sole-source WOSB contracts can be up to $4.5 million for services or $8 million for manufacturing. Competitive WOSB set-asides have no dollar limit. Agencies can also set aside contracts below the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000) for WOSBs.
Which NAICS codes are eligible for WOSB set-asides?
WOSB set-asides are available in NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are substantially underrepresented. The SBA maintains the official list, which includes industries like construction, manufacturing, IT services, and professional services. EDWOSB set-asides cover additional NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are underrepresented (a broader category).
Can I search for WOSB contracts from a specific agency?
Yes. In the Federal Contract Tracker, select "Women-Owned Small Business" as the set-aside type, then use the Awarding Agency dropdown to filter by a specific agency. You can also use the Spending by Agency tab to see which agencies award the most WOSB contracts.