Women Owned Busineses Impacted By Changes

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is changing the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program Regulations (WOSB).  SBA is providing a free, online certification and eligibility application process for Women-Owned Small Businesses and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses. SBA has delayed the start of these changes due to the pandemic.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is changing the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program Regulations (WOSB).  SBA is providing a free, online certification and eligibility application process for Women-Owned Small Businesses and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses. SBA has delayed the start of these changes due to the pandemic.

When are WOSB Changes Happening?

On July 15, 2020, SBA will begin to initiate the changes to be consistent with the Small Business Act.  Specifically, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015.  In addition to the certification requirement for firms seeking WOSB and EDWOSB set-aside contracts, the regulations detail certification options for applicants. Also, the regulations require authorized third-party certifiers to notify applicants of their fees and the option to use SBA’s free online certification process.

Essential TIMELINE For WOSB.

Below are some critical timelines for Women Owned Small Businesses:

The regulations detail essential changes to the certification process, including the following:

In Summary

The goal for changing the Women Owned Small Business Program is to make it easier and efficient for contracting officers. SBA is hoping that this will result in more awards to Women Owned Small Businesses.  Also, SBA is hoping that these changes will empower Agencies to achieve the 5% contracting goal for Women-Owned Small Businesses.

Be sure to check out our other articles for more government contracting topics.