WOSB & EDWOSB Proposal Writing
Proposals for woman-owned small businesses competing for WOSB and EDWOSB set-asides, starting with the question many firms skip: is this NAICS code eligible at all?
WOSB at a glance
- Ownership: At least 51% owned and controlled by women
- Eligible work: Set-asides only in SBA-designated NAICS codes
- Two levels: WOSB, and EDWOSB for economically disadvantaged owners
- Federal goal: 5% of contracting dollars
How WOSB Set-Asides Work
The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program lets certified firms that are at least 51% owned and controlled by women compete for set-asides in industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented. EDWOSB firms, which also meet economic disadvantage limits, can compete for set-asides in a further group of industries. The federal goal is 5% of contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses.
| WOSB quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Ownership | At least 51% owned and controlled by women |
| Eligible work | Set-asides only in SBA-designated NAICS codes |
| Two levels | WOSB, and EDWOSB for economically disadvantaged owners |
| Federal goal | 5% of contracting dollars |
| Vehicles | WOSB pools on vehicles such as GSA Polaris |
Start With the NAICS Code
WOSB set-asides can only be used in designated NAICS codes, and EDWOSB set-asides in a narrower group. Firms waste bid budgets chasing opportunities they could only win in open competition, or they miss set-asides because their SAM profile lists the wrong primary code. We check the code before we write a word.
Our step-by-step WOSB playbook covers certification and pipeline building in more depth.
Small Pool, Higher Bar
WOSB competitions often have fewer bidders, which tempts firms to submit thinner proposals. Evaluators still score against Section M. We write to the same standard as an open competition, so you win the set-aside and build past performance that holds up later in full and open bids.
How We Handle WOSB Proposals
Check eligibility
NAICS code, WOSB or EDWOSB designation, size and certification status.
Build the strategy
Win themes, teaming and past performance mapped to Section M.
Write and review
Compliant volumes plus Pink, Red and Gold Team reviews.
Submit and learn
Final compliance check, submission and debrief.
Proposal writing by set-aside program
Part of our proposal writing & management service, run by the same team that covers every stage of the contract.
WOSB FAQs
Can a WOSB bid on any federal contract as a set-aside?
What is the difference between WOSB and EDWOSB?
Do you help WOSB firms get certified?
Do you write proposals for WOSB pools on GWACs?
Tell Us About Your Opportunity
A senior consultant will reply within one business day. Prefer to talk now? Book a 30-minute call.