As defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation, paragraph 2.101:

"Women-owned small business concern means a small business concern- (1) That is at least 51%t owned by one or more women; or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51% of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and (2) Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women."

The Department of Army is committed to expanding opportunities for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) to compete in the Defense marketplace. Women are changing the face of America's economy. WOSBs are increasing in number, industry categories, and earning power. As WOSBs expand their capabilities, they also increase their ability to meet the needs of the Warfighter with creative, capable, and competitive proposals.

The Department of Army WOSB Program has three objectives:

• To facilitate, preserve, and strengthen full participation for WOSB in Army acquisition programs.
• To promote efforts to achieve the government-wide 5% goal for prime and subcontract awards to WOSB.
• To support the growth of WOSB through outreach and technical assistance.

The WOSB set-aside program (Referred to as the SBA 8(m) program) allows set-asides in certain industry groups where WOSB are considered under-represented or substantially under-represented. Please visit the SBA's WOSB Program website for more information.

For additional information:

• WomenBiz.gov
• Small Business Administration's WOSB Program
• SBA Office of Women's Business Ownership (OWBO)