WOSB Certification for Manufacturing Companies

Why WOSB Certification Matters for Manufacturing Companies

Federal certification for businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by women.

For manufacturing businesses, WOSB certification opens doors to corporate supplier diversity programs and federal contracting opportunities specifically targeting this sector. Many Fortune 500 companies and government agencies have dedicated spending goals for WOSB-certified suppliers in manufacturing.

Manufacturing offers significant opportunities for certified diverse suppliers. Here's why certification matters: **OEM Requirements**: Major automotive companies (Ford, GM, Toyota) and aerospace companies (Boeing, Lockheed Martin) have aggressive diverse supplier targets. **Tier 1 Subcontracting**: Large Tier 1 suppliers must flow diversity requirements down the supply chain. **Made in USA**: Federal and corporate "Buy American" requirements create opportunities for domestic diverse manufacturers. **Supply Chain Resilience**: Post-pandemic, corporations are diversifying supply chains and seeking domestic diverse suppliers. **Long-term Contracts**: Manufacturing relationships tend to be longer-term than services, providing revenue stability. Automotive OEMs alone spend over $150 billion annually with suppliers, with significant portions targeted to diverse businesses.

WOSB Eligibility Requirements

51% owned by women citizens, women control management and daily operations, meets SBA size standards.

To qualify for WOSB certification: **Ownership Requirements:** - At least 51% unconditionally and directly owned by one or more women - Women owners must be U.S. citizens **Control Requirements:** - Women must control management and daily operations - Women must make long-term decisions - Women must hold highest officer position **Size Requirements:** - Must be a small business under SBA size standards for your NAICS code

How to Apply for WOSB as a Manufacturing Business

1. **Step 1: Register in SAM.gov**
2. Complete SAM.gov registration (required for all federal contracting).
3. **Step 2: Create SBA Profile**
4. Set up your profile at certify.sba.gov.
5. **Step 3: Complete WOSB Application**
6. Provide business and ownership information.
7. **Step 4: Upload Documents**
8. Submit required documentation.
9. **Step 5: Certification Decision**
10. SBA reviews and issues decision within 90 days.

Government Manufacturing Opportunities

**Federal Manufacturing Opportunities** Key agencies purchasing manufactured goods: - **Department of Defense (DoD)**: Largest federal buyer of manufactured goods - **Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)**: Military supplies and equipment - **General Services Administration (GSA)**: Office products, furniture, equipment - **NASA**: Aerospace manufacturing and components **Key Requirements** - **Buy American Act**: Many federal purchases require domestic manufacturing - **Berry Amendment**: Certain DoD purchases must be 100% US-made - **CMMC**: Cybersecurity requirements for defense manufacturing **Small Business Set-Asides**: Manufacturing NAICS codes have specific size standards - many "small" manufacturers are substantial operations.

Other Certifications for Manufacturing Companies

WOSB Certification for Other Industries