The creation of a rule to increase opportunities for WOSBs was authorized by Congress in 2000.  Since then, SBA has taken a number of steps to analyze the market, including participation by women-owned small businesses across all industries.  
The proposed rule identified 83 industries in which WOSBs are under-represented in the federal contracting marketplace.  The rule would provide greater opportunities for WOSBs in these industries and help to achieve the existing statutory goal that 5% of federal contracting dollars go to WOSBs.  In Fiscal 2008, WOSBs received 3.4% of federal contracting dollars.

  

It is unclear how much this rule would impact the amount of contract dollars going to HUBZone firms since many HUBZone firms also participate in other set-aside programs, such as Small Disadvantaged Business/8(a) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVO), and will qualify to participate as WOSBs if the rule is enacted.  The federal spending goal of the HUBZone Program is 3%; in 2008, 2.34% of federal contracting dollars went to HUBZone firms.  

HUBZone Council Chair Ron Newlan expressed support for WOSBs but is concerned that the new rule could negatively impact the amount of contract dollars going to HUBZone firms.  “We need to strengthen all small business programs, including SDB/8(a), SDVO, WOSB, and HUBZones, without adversely impacting any of them by significantly expanding the federal contracting dollars awarded to all small businesses.”  Only SDB/8(a) has mets its goals in recent years.  
  

The public is invited to make comments about the proposed rule until May 3.  Comments may be registered at Regulations.gov or by mailing them to Dean Koppel, Assistant Director, Office of Policy & Research, SBA, 409 3rd St, SW, Washington, DC 20416.  Reference RIN 3245-AG06 when submitting comments. 
 
For more information:
http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentDetail?R=0900006480ab485a