What was the proposed rule on SBA WOSB certification in 2019?
In the wake of criticism of the SBA's oversight of the program, a proposed rule on SBA WOSB certification was released. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has finally released its long-awaited proposed regulation on the certification of women-owned small businesses (WOSBs). The proposed rule has been in the works at the SBA since 2016, when Congress, as part of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Public Law 113-291, removed the ability for businesses to self-certify their eligibility for the WOSB program. The SBA has been chastised for failing to properly oversee business self-certification and third-party certifier performance, resulting in a large number of ineligible firms winning WOSB contract awards. WOSB Certification In February 2011, the WOSB contracting scheme went into action. Since then, businesses interested in participating in the WOSB program have had two options: self-certify their eligibility to the SBA or be certified by a third-party certifi