Below is an outline of action steps or to-dos based on the process described on the webpage you provided for getting certified as a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The steps are tailored to guide you through the certification process efficiently.
Outline of Action Steps to Get Certified as a WOSB
1. Confirm Eligibility
- To-Do: Verify that your business meets the basic WOSB eligibility requirements:
- At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.
- Day-to-day operations and long-term decisions managed by one or more women.
- Qualifies as a small business under SBA size standards for your primary NAICS code (check size standards at SBA.gov).
- For Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB) certification, ensure the woman owner(s) meet economic disadvantage criteria (aligned with 8(a) program standards, excluding retirement account funds from net worth).
- Action: Review eligibility details in Title 13 Part 127 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) or use the eligibility questionnaire on WOSB.Certify.sba.gov.
2. Gather Required Documentation
- To-Do: Collect all necessary documents to support your application:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship for the woman owner(s) (e.g., passport, birth certificate).
- Business ownership documents (e.g., articles of incorporation, stock certificates, operating agreement).
- Financial records (e.g., tax returns, balance sheets) to demonstrate economic disadvantage (if applying for EDWOSB).
- Proof of management and control by women (e.g., resumes, meeting minutes).
- Current System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration (update annually to keep active).
- Action: Refer to the checklist on WOSB.Certify.sba.gov or the MySBA Certifications Knowledge Base for a detailed list specific to your business structure.
3. Choose Certification Method
- To-Do: Decide how to pursue certification:
- Option A: SBA Free Online Certification
- Apply directly through WOSB.Certify.sba.gov.
- Option B: Third-Party Certifier (TPC)
- Use an SBA-approved TPC (e.g., WBENC, U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce) and submit their certification along with proof of citizenship to WOSB.Certify.sba.gov.
- Special Cases:
- If already certified under 8(a), submit your most recent annual review letter (or acceptance letter if in the first year).
- If certified by the VA’s Center for Verification and Evaluations (CVE), provide your CVE certificate and supporting documents.
- Action: Research TPC costs and processes if opting for third-party certification; otherwise, prepare to use the SBA’s online platform.
4. Register and Prepare Your SAM.gov Profile
- To-Do: Ensure your business is registered and active in SAM.gov:
- Update your SAM.gov profile annually to maintain WOSB program status.
- Verify that your Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) profile reflects current information.
- Action: Log in to SAM.gov, update your profile if needed, and confirm your size representation aligns with your NAICS code.
5. Submit Your Application
- To-Do: Complete and submit your WOSB or EDWOSB application:
- For SBA certification: Create an account on WOSB.Certify.sba.gov, upload all required documents, and submit your application.
- For TPC certification: Obtain certification from the TPC, then upload the TPC certificate and proof of citizenship to WOSB.Certify.sba.gov.
- Action: Double-check that all documents are complete and accurate before submission to avoid delays.
6. Monitor Application Review Process
- To-Do: Track your application status and respond to SBA requests:
- SBA will screen your application for completeness within 90 calendar days (whenever practicable).
- Be prepared to provide additional information if contacted by an SBA representative.
- Action: Regularly check your email and WOSB.Certify.sba.gov account for updates or requests for clarification.
7. Receive Certification Decision
- To-Do: Await and act on the SBA’s final decision:
- If approved, you’ll receive a signed letter confirming your WOSB or EDWOSB status.
- If denied, review feedback and address deficiencies for resubmission.
- Action: Save the approval letter for your records and prepare to bid on set-aside contracts.
8. Maintain Certification Status
- To-Do: Keep your certification active and compliant:
- Update your SAM.gov profile annually.
- For contracts longer than 5 years (including options), complete the current certification process before the end of the fifth year if previously self-certified.
- Notify SBA of material changes (e.g., ownership, management) within 30 days via WOSB.Certify.sba.gov.
- Action: Set calendar reminders for annual SAM.gov updates and contract recertification deadlines.
9. Seek Assistance if Needed
- To-Do: Utilize available resources for support:
- Contact your local SBA regional/district office or Women’s Business Center using the SBA Local Assistance Tool.
- Explore the MySBA Certifications Knowledge Base for how-to videos, user guides, and FAQs.
- Email certifications@sba.gov or call 866-443-4110 for direct help.
- Action: Reach out proactively if you encounter issues or need clarification during the process.
Additional Notes
- Timeline: Start early, as the process can take up to 90 days after submitting a complete application.
- Existing Contracts: If your firm was certified (self or TPC) and had contracts when changes took effect (October 15, 2020), you remain certified for the duration of those contracts.
- Set-Aside Eligibility: Once certified, you can compete for WOSB/EDWOSB set-aside contracts in underrepresented industries (check eligible NAICS codes on SBA.gov).
This outline provides a clear roadmap to navigate the WOSB certification process. Let me know if you’d like further details on any step!