1. Executive Overview

As part of Alliance for Contractors' commitment to supporting all contractors, our WOSB certification assistance provides comprehensive support from initial application through ongoing maintenance, ensuring you maximize every opportunity for business growth.

Key Program Benefits

• Access to federal contracts set aside for women-owned businesses
• Competitive advantage in federal procurement
• Enhanced business credibility and market recognition
• Networking opportunities with other certified women contractors
• Alliance mentorship and business development support
• Priority consideration for certain federal contracting opportunities

2. Certification Requirements & Eligibility

Primary Eligibility Criteria

Requirement Category	Specific Criteria	Documentation Needed
Ownership	At least 51% owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens	Articles of incorporation, operating agreements, stock certificates
Control	Women owners must control management and daily operations	Organizational documents, management agreements, resumes
Small Business Status	Must qualify as small business per SBA size standards	Financial statements, tax returns, NAICS code documentation
Economic Disadvantage (EDWOSB)	Personal net worth less than $750,000 (excluding home and business)	Personal financial statements, asset documentation

3. Step-by-Step Application Process

Phase 1: Preparation (Weeks 1-2)

1. Document Collection: Gather all required documentation (see Section 4)
2. SAM Registration: Ensure active registration in System for Award Management
3. NAICS Code Verification: Confirm appropriate industry classification codes
4. Financial Statement Review: Prepare current financial statements and tax returns

Phase 2: Application Submission (Weeks 3-4)

1. Create Account: Register in the SBA's certify.sba.gov portal
2. Complete Application: Fill out all sections of the WOSB application
3. Upload Documents: Submit all required supporting documentation
4. Review and Submit: Thoroughly review application before submission

Phase 3: Review Process (Weeks 5-12)

1. Initial Review: SBA conducts preliminary application review
2. Document Verification: Additional documentation may be requested
3. Site Visit (if required): SBA may conduct on-site verification
4. Final Determination: Receive certification decision

4. Required Documentation & Verification

Ownership Documentation

• Articles of incorporation or organization
• Corporate bylaws or operating agreements
• Stock certificates or membership interest certificates
• Voting agreements or trust agreements
• Partnership agreements (if applicable)

Control Documentation

• Organizational chart showing management structure
• Job descriptions for key management positions
• Resumes of all officers, directors, and key employees
• Evidence of management experience and technical competence
• Board of directors' resolutions (if applicable)

Financial Documentation

• Three years of business tax returns
• Three years of personal tax returns for all owners
• Current business financial statements (audited preferred)
• Personal financial statements for all owners
• Bank statements and loan agreements

5. WOSB Repository Registration

The WOSB Repository serves as the central database for all certified women-owned small businesses. Registration is required for accessing set-aside contracts.

Repository Registration Steps

1. Access Portal: Visit the SBA's WOSB Repository at certify.sba.gov
2. Upload Certification: Submit approved WOSB certification documents
3. Profile Creation: Complete detailed business profile and capabilities
4. Verification: Await SBA verification of submitted documents
5. Active Status: Receive confirmation of active repository status

Repository Requirement	Timeline	Renewal Frequency
Initial Registration	Within 30 days of certification	N/A
Document Updates	Within 30 days of changes	As needed
Annual Certification	By anniversary date	Annually
Profile Maintenance	Quarterly review recommended	Ongoing

6. Ongoing Certification Maintenance

Annual Requirements

• Annual Certification: Submit updated financial statements and ownership documentation
• Size Standard Verification: Confirm continued compliance with small business size standards
• Ownership Confirmation: Verify continued 51% women ownership
• Control Documentation: Demonstrate ongoing management control by women owners

Triggering Events for Updates

• Changes in ownership structure or percentages
• Changes in key management personnel
• Significant changes in business operations or NAICS codes
• Changes in financial status affecting size standards
• Mergers, acquisitions, or business restructuring

7. Federal Contracting Advantages

Set-Aside Opportunities

Program Type	Eligibility	Contract Threshold	Industry Restrictions
WOSB Set-Aside	WOSB Certified	$4M (Manufacturing), $1.5M (Other)	Underrepresented industries only
EDWOSB Set-Aside	EDWOSB Certified	$4M (Manufacturing), $1.5M (Other)	All industries
Sole Source	EDWOSB Certified	$4M (Manufacturing), $1.5M (Other)	All industries

Competitive Advantages

• Price Evaluation Credits: Up to 10% evaluation preference in some competitions
• Subcontracting Opportunities: Prime contractors seek WOSB subcontractors for goals
• Market Research Priority: Agencies identify WOSB capabilities for future opportunities
• Mentor-Protégé Programs: Access to SBA and agency-specific development programs

8. Alliance Integration Benefits

Certification Support Services

• Application Assistance: Dedicated specialists guide complete application process
• Document Review: Professional review of all submission materials
• Interview Preparation: Training for potential SBA interviews or site visits
• Maintenance Support: Annual renewal assistance and ongoing compliance monitoring

Women Contractor Networking

• Monthly Networking Events: Connect with other certified women contractors
• Industry-Specific Groups: Specialized networking by construction, professional services, and manufacturing
• Mentor Matching: Pair with successful women contractors for guidance and support
• Success Circles: Small group peer support for business growth and challenges

Business Development Programs

• Contracting Workshops: Federal procurement training specifically for women contractors
• Capability Statement Development: Professional marketing materials highlighting WOSB status
• Opportunity Identification: Proactive identification of relevant WOSB set-aside opportunities
• Proposal Development Support: Technical assistance for competitive proposals

Strategic Partnership Opportunities

• Teaming Arrangements: Connect with complementary contractors for larger opportunities
• Subcontracting Networks: Access to prime contractors seeking WOSB partners
• Joint Ventures: Strategic partnerships for specific project opportunities
• Supplier Diversity Programs: Connections with large contractors and agencies

9. Implementation Timeline & Milestones

Milestone	Timeframe	Key Actions	Alliance Support
Pre-Application	Weeks 1-2	Document gathering, eligibility verification	Eligibility assessment, document checklist
Application Submission	Weeks 3-4	Complete and submit application	Application review, submission assistance
Review Period	Weeks 5-12	Respond to SBA requests, site visit preparation	Response preparation, interview coaching
Certification	Week 12+	Repository registration, capability development	Registration assistance, marketing support
Business Development	Ongoing	Opportunity pursuit, networking, growth	Opportunity identification, networking events

10. Resources & Next Steps

Immediate Action Steps

1. Schedule Consultation: Book initial WOSB eligibility assessment with Alliance specialist
2. Document Preparation: Begin gathering required documentation using our comprehensive checklist
3. Financial Review: Engage qualified accountant for financial statement preparation
4. SAM Registration: Ensure current registration in System for Award Management
5. Join Alliance Network: Connect with other women contractors in our community

Key Resources

• SBA WOSB Program: www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/wosb
• Certification Portal: certify.sba.gov
• Alliance WOSB Support: Dedicated specialist team and resource library
• WOSB Repository: Central database for certified businesses
• Federal Procurement Opportunities: SAM.gov and agency-specific portals

Contact Information

WOSB Certification Team
Alliance for Contractors
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-800-ALLIANCE
Certification Portal: alliance.wosb-certification.com