WOSB NAICS Codes: Which Industries Qualify

The WOSB Federal Contracting Program doesn't apply to every industry. The SBA designates specific NAICS codes as eligible for set-asides — based on a study of where women-owned firms are underrepresented (WOSB-eligible) or substantially underrepresented (EDWOSB-eligible) in federal contracting. So whether you can win a WOSB or EDWOSB set-aside depends on your firm's primary NAICS code.

This guide explains how the designated-NAICS system works and how to check whether your industry qualifies.

Why NAICS codes matter for WOSB

A contracting officer can only set a contract aside for WOSBs or EDWOSBs if the contract's NAICS code is on the SBA's designated list. The list assigns each eligible code to one of two buckets:

WOSB-eligible NAICS — industries where women-owned firms are underrepresented. Contracts here can be set aside for WOSBs (and EDWOSBs, since they're a subset — see WOSB vs EDWOSB).
EDWOSB-eligible NAICS — industries where women-owned firms are substantially underrepresented. Contracts here can be set aside for EDWOSBs only.

Some NAICS codes are designated for one bucket, some for the other. If your primary NAICS isn't on the list at all, WOSB/EDWOSB set-asides don't apply to that work — though you can still pursue other set-aside programs.

How to check whether your NAICS qualifies

Identify your primary NAICS code(s). Not sure which apply to your work? Browse NAICS codes to confirm.
Check the SBA's designated-NAICS list for the WOSB program. The SBA publishes and periodically updates the list based on its underrepresentation study.
Note the bucket — WOSB-eligible vs EDWOSB-eligible — because it determines which certification gives you access to that set-aside.

Because the list is updated periodically (the underrepresentation study is refreshed over time), confirm against the current SBA list rather than an old copy before relying on it for a bid.

What this means for certification

Your NAICS designations should inform how you certify:

If your key NAICS codes are EDWOSB-eligible, you'll want EDWOSB certification to compete for those set-asides (EDWOSB also covers all WOSB set-asides).
If they're WOSB-eligible, WOSB certification is enough.

See WOSB vs EDWOSB for the eligibility and certification details, and the WOSB program page for an overview.

How it shows up on solicitations

On a federal solicitation, look at the assigned NAICS code and the set-aside type. A WOSB or EDWOSB set-aside will name the program, and the NAICS must be a designated code for that program. If you're scoring opportunities, matching your certified status and primary NAICS against the solicitation's set-aside type is exactly the kind of check that determines whether a bid is worth pursuing.

Frequently asked questions

Are all NAICS codes eligible for WOSB set-asides? No. Only NAICS codes the SBA has designated — based on where women-owned firms are underrepresented — are eligible.

What's the difference between a WOSB-eligible and EDWOSB-eligible NAICS? WOSB-eligible codes (underrepresented industries) allow WOSB set-asides; EDWOSB-eligible codes (substantially underrepresented industries) allow EDWOSB-only set-asides.

How do I find WOSB-eligible NAICS codes? Check the SBA's current designated-NAICS list for the WOSB program, then match it against your firm's primary NAICS code.

Does my NAICS code affect which certification I need? Yes — if your industry is EDWOSB-designated, you'll need EDWOSB certification to win those set-asides.

Key takeaways

WOSB/EDWOSB set-asides apply only to SBA-designated NAICS codes.
Codes are split into WOSB-eligible (underrepresented) and EDWOSB-eligible (substantially underrepresented) buckets.
Your primary NAICS determines which set-asides — and which certification — apply.
The list is updated periodically; always check the current SBA list before bidding.