Women-Owned Small Business Program: Certifier Oversight and Additional Eligibility Controls Are Needed

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Abstract:

In 2000, Congress authorized the WOSB program to increase contracting opportunities for WOSBs by allowing contracting officers to set aside procurements to such businesses. SBA, which administers the program, issued implementing regulations that became effective in 2011. GAO was asked to review the WOSB program. This report examines (1) how businesses are certified as eligible for the WOSB program, (2) SBA's oversight of certifications, and (3) the effect the program has had on federal contracting opportunities available to WOSBs or EDWOSBs. GAO reviewed relevant laws, regulations, and program documents; analyzed federal contracting data from April 2011 through May 2014; and interviewed SBA, officials from contracting agencies selected to obtain a range of experience with the WOSB program, third-party certifiers, WOSBs, and organizations that represent their interests.

Author(s):
Shear, William B. ; Pauline, Andrew ; Trinder-clements, Julie ; Davidson, Pamela ; Kaneshiro, Daniel ; Kennon, Julia ; Roesmann, Barbara ; Sandler, Jessica ; Sinkfield, Jena
Author Organization(s):
United States Government Accountability Office
Funding Organization(s):
United States Government Accountability Office, Washington , DC
Document Type:
Technical Report/Congressional Report
Publication Date:
2014 Oct 01
Pagination:
38

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
GAO-15-54
Subject Terms
Communities of Interest:
Materials and Manufacturing Processes
Descriptor(s):
business administration, commerce, governments, small business, procurement, public policy, contracts, revenue, homeland security, performance tests, state governments, united states government, accountability, market economy, regulations, acquisition, congress
Keyword(s):
wosb(women owned small business), small business administration
Subject Categories:
Behavioral and Social Sciences; Behavioral and Social Sciences
Creation Date:
2022 Aug 12
Update Date:
2022 Oct 14