Women-Owned Defense Contractors: Navigating a Growing Federal Market
Women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) are an increasingly vital segment of the U.S. defense industrial base. In FY 2024, WOSBs received 6.64 billion in federal contract awards — with the Department of Defense accounting for roughly 48% of that spend, translating to over 2 billion in defense-specific awards to women-owned firms.
The WOSB Program and Defense Contracting
The SBA-administered Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program reserves certain contracts in industries where WOSBs are underrepresented. With the SBA expanding eligible industries from 444 to 759 NAICS codes, more defense-related categories are opening to set-aside competitions. Key defense NAICS codes include:
| NAICS Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 541512 | Computer Systems Design Services |
| 541330 | Engineering Services |
| 541519 | Other Computer Related Services |
| 561210 | Facilities Support Services |
| 541611 | Administrative Management Consulting |
| 336413 | Other Aircraft Parts and Equipment Manufacturing |
Where WOSBs Compete in Defense
Professional services and information technology represent the most active sectors. Women-owned firms provide critical capabilities across:
- Cybersecurity and IT Modernization
- Cloud migration, zero-trust architecture, and enterprise cybersecurity solutions for DoD networks
- Training and Simulation
- Warfighter readiness programs, exercise management, and simulation technology
- Systems Engineering and Integration
- Weapons systems support, C4ISR integration, and technical program management
- Logistics and Maintenance
- Depot-level maintenance, supply chain management, and fleet sustainment
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Precision machining, additive manufacturing, and aerospace component production
Subcontracting Goals and Prime Contractor Obligations
Federal law requires prime contractors on large DoD contracts to submit Small Business Subcontracting Plans with specific goals for WOSB participation. The government-wide statutory goal is 5% of federal contracting dollars to WOSBs — a target the government has consistently fallen short of (3.44% in FY 2024). This gap creates ongoing demand from prime contractors seeking qualified WOSB subcontractors to meet plan commitments.
Certification Pathways
Firms can obtain WOSB or Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB) certification through:
- SBA Direct: Free certification through the SBA MySBA Certifications portal
- Third-party certifiers: WBENC, NWBOC, and other SBA-approved organizations
- 8(a) Business Development Program: Many WOSBs also hold 8(a) certification for additional set-aside eligibility