FY2026 YTDDOD: $842.3B (+2.4% YoY)HHS: $156.7B (-1.2% YoY)DHS: $68.4B (+5.1% YoY)NASA: $25.8B (+3.7% YoY)DOE: $48.2B (-0.8% YoY)VA: $301.4B (+8.2% YoY)|Active Opportunities: 47,832Expiring 7d: 2,341|Data via USASpending.gov
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Set-Asides

WOSB Contract Opportunities: The $30.1 Billion Market for Women-Owned Businesses (2026)

Women-Owned Small Business contracts exceeded $30B for the first time in FY2025. Here's where the money flows, which NAICS codes are underrepresented, and how to leverage sole-source authority.

Fed-Spend Research Team•February 11, 2026•5 min read

$30.1 Billion. A Record Year for Women-Owned Federal Contractors.

The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) programs hit a combined $30.1 billion in FY2025 -- the first time the program has exceeded the $30B mark. This represents approximately 5.2% of federal prime contracting dollars, exceeding the statutory 5% goal.

But like every set-aside category, the distribution is uneven. Certain agencies, NAICS codes, and strategies dramatically outperform others. Here is the data.

Which Agencies Award the Most WOSB Contracts?

The top 8 agencies account for over 80% of all WOSB dollars:

| Agency | FY2025 WOSB Awards | % of Total |
|--------|-------------------|-----------|
| Department of Defense | $11.4B | 38% |
| Department of Health & Human Services | $4.2B | 14% |
| General Services Administration | $2.8B | 9% |
| Department of Veterans Affairs | $2.1B | 7% |
| Department of Homeland Security | $1.8B | 6% |
| Department of Energy | $1.4B | 5% |
| Department of State | $980M | 3% |
| Department of Agriculture | $860M | 3% |

HHS: The WOSB Powerhouse

While DoD leads in total dollars (as it does for every set-aside), HHS awards a higher percentage of its contracts to WOSB firms than any other major agency. Healthcare, public health research, IT modernization, and professional services are HHS's core procurement areas -- and they align strongly with WOSB firm capabilities.

Department of State also stands out. State ranks higher for WOSB awards than for any other set-aside category, driven by international development, translation services, and consulting contracts.

Top NAICS Codes for WOSB Awards

| NAICS Code | Description | FY2025 WOSB Awards | Competition Level |
|------------|-------------|-------------------|-------------------|
| 541512 | Computer Systems Design | $4.2B | Very High |
| 541611 | Admin Management Consulting | $3.8B | Very High |
| 561210 | Facilities Support Services | $2.4B | High |
| 541330 | Engineering Services | $1.9B | High |
| 541519 | Other Computer Services | $1.6B | High |
| 561320 | Temporary Staffing Services | $1.4B | Moderate |
| 541990 | Other Professional Services | $1.2B | Moderate |
| 621111 | Offices of Physicians | $980M | Low |
| 541690 | Other Scientific Consulting | $890M | Moderate |
| 611430 | Professional Development Training | $720M | Low |

The WOSB NAICS Restriction (Important)

Unlike 8(a), SDVOSB, or HUBZone, WOSB sole-source and set-aside authority is limited to specific NAICS codes designated by SBA as "underrepresented" for women-owned businesses. Not every NAICS code qualifies.

There are two tiers:

  • **WOSB-eligible NAICS codes** -- qualify for WOSB set-aside competitions
  • **EDWOSB-eligible NAICS codes** -- qualify for both WOSB set-asides AND sole-source awards

    • The current list includes over 300 NAICS codes, but key exclusions exist. Before pursuing WOSB set-aside opportunities, verify your NAICS code is on the eligible list at sba.gov/wosb.

    Sole-Source Authority: EDWOSB Advantage

    Sole-source authority for women-owned businesses is limited to Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSB) -- a subset of WOSB with additional economic criteria.

    EDWOSB Sole-Source Thresholds

  • **$5 million** for services (raised from $4.5M)
  • **$5 million** for manufacturing

    • FY2025 Sole-Source vs. Competitive Split

  • **~20% of WOSB/EDWOSB dollars** were sole-sourced ($6B)
  • **~80% were competitive** set-asides ($24.1B)
  • Sole-source average value: **$920K**
  • Competitive average value: **$580K**

    • WOSB has the lowest sole-source utilization of all major set-aside categories. Two factors drive this:

  • **Only EDWOSB qualifies for sole-source** -- many WOSB firms are not EDWOSB-certified
  • **NAICS restrictions** -- sole-source is only available in EDWOSB-designated NAICS codes

    • The EDWOSB Certification Advantage

    If you qualify as economically disadvantaged (personal net worth under $750,000, adjusted gross income under $350,000 averaged over 3 years), obtaining EDWOSB certification unlocks sole-source authority that standard WOSB certification does not. The additional paperwork is modest compared to the competitive advantage gained.

    WOSB vs. EDWOSB: Understanding the Two Programs

    | Feature | WOSB | EDWOSB |
    |---------|------|--------|
    | Set-aside competitions | Yes (in eligible NAICS) | Yes (in eligible NAICS) |
    | Sole-source awards | No | Yes (up to $5M) |
    | NAICS restriction | WOSB-designated codes only | EDWOSB-designated codes only |
    | Economic threshold | None | Net worth < $750K, income < $350K |
    | Certification | SBA certify.sba.gov | SBA certify.sba.gov |

    Key insight: EDWOSB-eligible NAICS codes are a subset of WOSB-eligible codes. Some NAICS codes qualify for WOSB set-asides but NOT EDWOSB sole-source. Check both lists.

    Agency Set-Aside Goal Pressure: The Q4 Window

    The federal government's WOSB statutory goal is 5% of prime contracting dollars. Individual agencies set their own targets, often higher. When agencies fall behind their WOSB goals heading into Q4 (July-September), contracting officers actively seek WOSB firms to close the gap.

    Agencies That Consistently Push WOSB Goals

  • **SBA** -- Leads by example with aggressive WOSB utilization
  • **HHS** -- Consistently exceeds the 5% goal
  • **GSA** -- Strong WOSB participation through MAS task orders
  • **Department of State** -- High WOSB percentage relative to total spend

    • Timing Your BD Efforts

  • **January-March:** Agencies publish annual acquisition forecasts. Review these for upcoming WOSB opportunities.
  • **April-June:** Submit capability statements and meet with small business specialists. This is your positioning window.
  • **July-September (Q4):** Agencies under their WOSB goal increase set-aside and sole-source activity. If you positioned in Q2, you are in the pipeline.

    • The SBA Certification Process

    As of 2024, WOSB and EDWOSB certification is managed through SBA's certify.sba.gov portal.

    Requirements

    WOSB:

  • Unconditionally owned (51%+) by one or more women who are U.S. citizens
  • Managed and controlled by one or more women
  • Small under the primary NAICS size standard

    • EDWOSB (additional):

  • Personal net worth under $750,000 (excluding primary residence and business ownership)
  • Adjusted gross income averaged under $350,000 over prior 3 years
  • Fair market value of assets under $6 million

    • Processing Time

    SBA processes WOSB/EDWOSB applications in approximately 90 days. Third-party certifiers (like WBENC or NWBOC) can expedite the process.

    Annual Recertification

    Certification must be renewed annually. Maintain documentation of ownership, management, and economic status (for EDWOSB) to avoid certification lapses.

    Mentor-Protege and Joint Ventures

    The SBA All Small Mentor-Protege Program allows WOSB and EDWOSB firms to form joint ventures with larger firms while maintaining WOSB status for set-aside eligibility.

    How It Works

  • WOSB firm (protege) partners with a larger firm (mentor)
  • Joint venture can bid on WOSB set-asides as a WOSB entity
  • Mentor provides resources, past performance, and capabilities
  • Protege maintains management control of the joint venture

    • This is particularly valuable for WOSB firms that lack past performance on larger contracts. The mentor's performance history can strengthen proposals while the WOSB firm maintains set-aside eligibility.

    5 Strategies for WOSB Firms to Win More Contracts

    Strategy 1: Get EDWOSB If You Qualify

    The sole-source authority alone justifies the additional certification. A $5M ceiling with no competition is a powerful tool that standard WOSB firms do not have.

    Strategy 2: Focus on HHS and State Department

    These agencies award disproportionately to WOSB firms. If your services align with healthcare, public health, international development, or professional services, these agencies should be at the top of your target list.

    Strategy 3: Check NAICS Eligibility First

    Before pursuing any WOSB opportunity, verify your NAICS code is on the WOSB or EDWOSB eligible list. Bidding on a WOSB set-aside in an ineligible NAICS code wastes your BD resources and can raise compliance flags.

    Strategy 4: Leverage the Q4 Window

    Track agency WOSB goal attainment through SBA's scorecard data. Agencies below 5% in Q3 are your highest-probability targets for Q4 set-asides and sole-source awards.

    Strategy 5: Build a Mentor-Protege Relationship

    If you are a smaller WOSB firm, a mentor-protege joint venture allows you to compete for contracts above your current capability. Target mentors with complementary technical skills and strong past performance in your target agencies.

    FAQ: WOSB Contract Opportunities

    How much does the federal government spend with women-owned businesses?

    In FY2025, federal agencies awarded approximately $30.1 billion to WOSB and EDWOSB firms, representing 5.2% of prime contracting dollars and exceeding the 5% statutory goal for the first time.

    What is the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?

    WOSB is the base certification requiring 51% women ownership. EDWOSB adds economic disadvantage criteria (net worth under $750K, income under $350K) and unlocks sole-source authority up to $5M that standard WOSB does not have.

    Are WOSB set-asides available in all NAICS codes?

    No. WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides are restricted to NAICS codes designated by SBA as underrepresented for women-owned businesses. Over 300 NAICS codes are eligible, but check the current list at sba.gov/wosb before pursuing opportunities.

    Can I hold WOSB and 8(a) certification simultaneously?

    Yes. A firm can hold WOSB/EDWOSB, 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB certifications concurrently if it meets all eligibility requirements for each. Stacking certifications maximizes the set-aside opportunities available to you.

    How do I find WOSB contract opportunities?

    SAM.gov lists active solicitations filterable by WOSB/EDWOSB set-aside type. USAspending.gov shows historical awards. Fed-Spend offers a free tier with 10 searches per month across all set-aside types, with filters for WOSB and EDWOSB specifically. [Search WOSB contracts →](/search)

    Start tracking WOSB opportunities now. [Search women-owned business contracts on Fed-Spend →](/search)

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