Certifications

To help provide a level playing field for women business owners, the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program.

These contracts are for goods and services in specific industries (identified via NAICS code) where WOSBs are underrepresented. Some contracts are restricted further to economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSBs). SBA maintains a list of those eligible industries and their NAICS codes.

Joining the WOSB Federal Contract program makes a business eligible to compete for federal contracts reserved for the program’s certified participants. These contracts are known as “set-asides.” Provided they are eligible, WOSB-certified firms can still compete for contract awards under other socio-economic programs, including 8(a) and HUBZone.

It is important to note that WOSB certification benefits only apply to federal contracting opportunities, rather than those in the private sector.

In 2020, SBA implemented Congress’s changes to the WOSB Federal Contract program, as put forth in the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This affected the process by which WOSBs and EDWOSBs gained program certification. Updated WOSB Federal Contract Program regulations detailing changes to the certification process were published in the Federal Register in May 2020.

These changes have made it easier for qualified small businesses to participate in the WOSB Federal Contract program by improving the customer experience. At the same time, SBA has strengthened oversight and ensured the integrity of the certification process.

Under the current WOSB Federal Contract program regulations:

• All WOSB firms must apply for certification at SBA Certifications, home to SBA’s free online certification process, in order to compete for WOSB Federal Contract program set-aside contracts.
• SBA allows continued participation from businesses that utilize SBA-approved Third-Party Certifiers (TPCs) to obtain WOSB or EDWOSB certification provided that these firms submit their TPC certification and proof of citizenship when applying.
• If your firm had contracts through the WOSB Federal Contract program when the changes went into effect, you will remain certified through the duration of existing contracts.

Review SBA’s latest FAQs, certification options table, infographics, and the following fact sheet for more information about the certification changes and the updated application process.

Firms can use SBA’s local assistance tool to contact their local SBA regional or district office or Women’s Business Center with questions. In addition, the SBA Certifications Knowledge Base is a valuable resource for firms who want to learn more about the certification process or have questions about applying for and participating in the WOSB Program.

To be eligible for the WOSB Federal Contract program, a business must:

• Be a small business according to SBA size standards
• Be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens
• Have women manage day-to-day operations who also make long-term decisions

To qualify as an EDWOSB within the program, a business must:

• Meet all the requirements of the WOSB Federal Contract program
• Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each with a personal net worth less than $850,000
• Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each with $400,000 or less in adjusted gross income averaged over the previous three years
• Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each $6.5 million or less in personal assets

Economic disadvantage standards have been aligned between the 8(a) Business Development program and the WOSB Federal Contract program. Please note that funds invested in an official retirement account are excluded from the assessment of an economically disadvantaged individual’s personal net worth in both programs. 8(a) firms interested in pursuing EDWOSB certification may provide their most recent annual review letter (or acceptance letter, if in their first year) through applying at SBA Certifications.

SBA also allows participation from firms certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Verification and Evaluations (CVE), provided they meet all eligibility requirements. Firms must provide their CVE certificate and supporting documentation through SBA Certifications.

Eligibility requirements for WOSB or EDWOSB qualification are fully defined in Title 13 Part 127 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Firms can also get a preliminary assessment of whether they qualify at SBA Certifications.

Before firms can compete for WOSB set-aside contracts, they must apply for certification on SBA Certifications. This certification site can also help firms:

• Understand the certification process
• Access checklists that provide guidance prior to applying
• Explore their company’s eligibility
• Request information from SBA program experts
• Create an account and proceed with their application

Maintaining WOSB certification

To maintain your WOSB or EDWOSB certification, SBA requires participants to annually attest to meeting program requirements set forth in 13 CFR 127.  Annual attestation must be submitted within 30 days of the anniversary date of certification. Additionally, firms must undergo a program examination every three years conducted by SBA or a third-party certifier. Note: Annual attestation is currently in abeyance, meaning firms do not have to submit an attestation annually.

Please visit the SBA Certifications Knowledge Base for in-depth resources on how to maintain your WOSB or EDWOSB status.

Upon completion of the recertification application, an SBA analyst will conduct a full review of the responses and uploaded documentation. A formal letter is issued once a decision is rendered.

In order to maintain their status with the WOSB program, firms need to update their SAM.gov profile annually, to ensure their Small Business Search (SBS, formerly the Dynamic Small Business Search) profile remains active. For the purposes of contracts (including multiple-award contracts) with durations of more than five years (including options), a self-certified firm must complete the current certification process prior to the end of the fifth year of the contract.

The WOSB Federal Contract program offers multiple avenues for firms seeking assistance. SBA’s dedicated resource partners are always available to help our small businesses. Firms can also use SBA’s local assistance tool to contact their local SBA regional or district office or Women’s Business Center.

In addition, the SBA Certifications Knowledge Base is a valuable resource for firms to get started learning about this new platform with how-to videos, user guides, and more.

SBA-approved third-party certification

There are four organizations approved by SBA to provide third-party certification (TPC). You may contact them to learn more about their certification process and any associated costs. They are:

• El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• National Women Business Owners Corporation
• U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce
• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council

Once approved through one of these four TPCs, you will still need to upload your proof of citizenship and TPC-certified documentation to SBA Certifications before bidding on WOSB set-aside contracts.

If you gained third-party certification prior to October 2020, you will remain certified for the duration of existing contracts. After existing contracts expire, you will need to certify through SBA Certifications to remain eligible for WOSB set-aside contracts.

Issuing decisions on certification

Whenever practicable, SBA will make its determination within 90 calendar days after receipt of a complete package. If your application is deemed incomplete or otherwise does not meet program application requirements, an SBA representative may reach out to request additional information or documentation.

Office of Government Contracting
Women-Owned Small Business program
409 3rd St. SW, Eighth floor
Washington, DC 20416
Email: certifications@sba.gov
Phone: 866-SBA-HELP (866-722-4357)

For additional information about the WOSB Program and our application process, visit the SBA Certifications Knowledge Base. For any other assistance, please contact SBA at certifications@sba.gov.

Sections 7(j)(10) and 8(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 636(j)(10) and 637(a)) authorizes the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a business development program, which is known as the 8(a) Business Development program.

Businesses that participate in the program receive training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy. Also eligible to participate in the 8(a) program are small businesses owned by Alaska Native corporations, Community Development Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Small business development is accomplished by providing various forms of management, technical, financial, and procurement assistance.

SBA partners with federal agencies to promote maximum utilization of 8(a) program participants to ensure access to contracting opportunities in the federal marketplace. Once certified, 8(a) program participants are eligible to receive federal contracting and receive training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy.

The 8(a) program can be a valuable tool for experienced socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners, who have already been in business for at least two years or more, and are interested in expanding their footprint in the federal marketplace. The 8(a) program offers unique and valuable business assistance. The 8(a) certification does not guarantee contract awards but it is a dynamic tool to pursue and capture new opportunity from the government.

Certified firms in the 8(a) program can:

• Efficiently compete and receive set-aside and sole-source contracts
• Receive one-on-one business development assistance for their nine-year term from dedicated Business Opportunity Specialists focused on helping firms grow and accomplish their business objectives
• Pursue opportunity for mentorship from experienced and technically capable firms through the SBA Mentor-Protégé program
• Connect with procurement and compliance experts who understand regulations in the context of business growth, finance, and government contracting
• Pursue joint ventures with established businesses to increase capacity
• Qualify to receive federal surplus property on a priority basis
• Receive free training from SBA’s Empower to Grow program

The 8(a) certification qualifies your business as eligible to compete for the program’s sole-source and competitive set-aside contracts. The government authorizes sole-source contracts to 8(a) participants for up to $7 million for acquisitions assigned manufacturing North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and $4.5 million for all other acquisitions. Entity-owned 8(a) program participants are eligible for sole-source contracts above these thresholds, but the Department of Defense requires approval of a formal justification if the 8(a) sole-source contract exceeds $100 million; all other federal agencies require approval for sole-source 8(a) contract actions that exceed $25 million.

8(a) program participants are eligible to compete for contract awards under other socio-economic programs or small business set-asides they qualify for.

To qualify for the 8(a) program, businesses must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a small business
• Not have previously participated in the 8(a) program
• Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged
• Have a personal net worth of $850 thousand or less, adjusted gross income of $400 thousand or less, and assets totaling $6.5 million or less
• Demonstrate good character
• Demonstrate the potential for success such as having been in business for two years

8(a) certification lasts for a maximum of nine years. The first four years are considered a development stage and the last five years are considered a transitional stage. Continuation in the program is dependent on staying in compliance with program requirements. Individuals may only participate once in their lifetime.

The federal government fully defines who qualifies for the 8(a) program — including what counts as being socially and economically disadvantaged — in Title 13 Part 124 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Participation in the 8(a) program is one-time-only for firms and individuals with the exception of entity-owned firms. Alaska Native corporations, Tribal-owned Native Hawaiian organizations, and Community Development Corporations may have multiple 8(a) firms. Some firms may be eligible for the 8(a) program, but they may not be ready to contract with the federal government.

Businesses interested in applying for 8(a) certification can get a preliminary assessment of whether it is right for them by going to SBA Certifications and filling out the eligibility questionnaire.

Before you can participate in the 8(a) program, you must be certified by SBA.

Applications are processed electronically. Visit SBA Certifications to access checklist tools, training, and information that provide guidance prior to applying.

Review the Application Tips for Success Guide and meet with your local SBA District Office or an APEX Accelerator (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Center) counselor to help determine if you’re ready to apply and prepare.

To apply for the 8(a) program, follow these steps:

1. Identify your primary NAICS code(s).
2. Register your business in the System for Award Management (SAM).
3. Apply for 8(a) certification.

Visit the Knowledge Base to find helpful resources, including the application guide, to assist with gathering necessary documentation as well as completing and submitting the application.

If your application is determined incomplete, SBA will notify you in writing through SBA Certifications. Once SBA has determined the application is complete, SBA has 90 days to process the application and render a decision. Once certified, your profile in SAM and the Small Business Search (SBS, formerly the Dynamic Small Business Search) will show your approval date and exit date for the 8(a) program.

8(a) program participants are responsible for maintaining continuing eligibility in the program. Each program participant shall certify, on an annual basis, that it meets statutory and regulatory requirements. As part of an annual review, each participant must annually submit specific information to their servicing SBA District Office. Refer to the Annual Review Checklist to learn more about responsibilities for maintaining 8(a) certification. 

If you have questions about applying to the 8(a) Business Development program, contact your local SBA office.

Office of Government Contracting and Business Development
409 3rd St. SW, Eighth Floor
Washington, DC 20416
Email: certifications@sba.gov
Phone: 866-SBA-HELP (866-722-4357)

The government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses in historically underutilized business zones. It also gives preferential consideration to those businesses in full and open competition.

Joining the HUBZone program makes your business eligible to compete for the program’s set-aside contracts. HUBZone-certified businesses also get a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions.

HUBZone-certified businesses can still compete for contract awards under other socio-economic programs they qualify for.

To qualify for the HUBZone program, your business must:

• Be a small business according to SBA size standards
• Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Alaska Native corporation, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe
• Have its principal office located in a HUBZone*
• Have at least 35% of its employees living in a HUBZone*

You can find the full qualification criteria in Title 13 Part 126 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Check the HUBZone map to determine whether your principal office and employees are located in a HUBZone. Learn how to navigate the HUBZone map, or about the different types of HUBZone Designations.

HUBZone designation updates

Every five years, the HUBZone program is required to update the HUBZone designations to ensure the program continues to serve the communities that are most in need of assistance. Most areas stay the same, but some do change. The map was last updated in 2023. Please note that the map is next due for updates:

• At some point in 2026, to reflect expiring Redesignated Areas, and throughout any year to reflect new and expiring Governor-designated covered areas and Qualified Disaster Areas as appropriate
• In July 2028 to reflect changes to Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs) and Qualified Non-Metropolitan Counties (QNMCs)

To establish an SBA account and apply for certification, visit SBA Certifications.

Through the application portal, you can:

• Access checklists and pre-application guides
• Check your firm’s eligibility
• Request information
• Create an account, login and proceed with an application

You’ll need to recertify for the HUBZone program every three years. There is no limit to the length of time a business can participate as long as it continues to qualify.

HUBZone businesses must notify SBA if their business is involved in a merger or acquisition.

SBA may visit HUBZone businesses unannounced and conduct program examinations to verify the accuracy of any certification made or information provided as part of the HUBZone application or recertification process.

Office of the HUBZone program
409 3rd St. SW, Suite 8800
Washington, DC 20416
Email: certifications@sba.gov
Phone: 866-SBA-HELP (866-722-4357)

Find more information about the HUBZone map changes and our HUBZone Map Changes: What You Need to Know flyer.

HUBZone information for contracting professionals.