On October 7, 2010, the U.S. Small Business Administration published a final rule effective February 4, 2011, aimed at expanding federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses (WOSBs).
The rule is part of the Obama Administration's overall commitment to expanding opportunities for small businesses to compete for federal contracts, in particular those owned by women, socially and economically disadvantaged persons and veterans. This rule identifies 83 industries in which WOSBs are under-represented or substantially under-represented in the federal contract marketplace. In addition to opening up more opportunities for WOSBs, the rule is also another tool to help achieve the statutory goal that 5 percent of federal contracting dollars go to women-owned small businesses.
With implementation expected to take several months, the agency expects that federal agencies' contracting officers will be able to start making contracts available to WOSBs under the program in early 2011. To learn more, visit SBA Releases Final Women-Owned Small Business Rule to Expand Access to Federal Contracting Opportunities:
