Subpart 19.15
Women-Owned Small Business Program
FAR Subpart 19.15 provides the framework for increasing federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses through set-asides and sole-source awards, with strict eligibility and procedural requirements.
Overview
- FAR Subpart 19.15 establishes the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program, outlining the rules and procedures for federal contracting officers to set aside acquisitions for WOSBs and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSBs). This subpart details eligibility, status determination, exclusions, set-aside and sole-source award procedures, and required contract clauses. Its purpose is to increase federal contracting opportunities for women-owned businesses and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
Key Rules
- General (19.1500)
- Introduces the WOSB Program and its objectives within federal procurement.
- Applicability (19.1502)
- Specifies when and how the WOSB Program applies to federal contracts.
- Status (19.1503)
- Outlines requirements for a business to qualify as a WOSB or EDWOSB, including certification and documentation.
- Exclusions (19.1504)
- Identifies contract types and situations where the WOSB Program does not apply.
- Set-aside Procedures (19.1505)
- Details the process for setting aside contracts for WOSBs/EDWOSBs, including competition and eligibility checks.
- Sole-Source Awards (19.1506)
- Provides criteria and procedures for awarding contracts on a sole-source basis to eligible WOSBs/EDWOSBs.
- Contract Clauses (19.1508)
- Lists mandatory clauses to be included in contracts awarded under the WOSB Program.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must determine eligibility, apply set-aside/sole-source procedures, and include required clauses.
- Contractors: Must maintain WOSB/EDWOSB status, provide documentation, and comply with program requirements.
- Agencies: Oversee program implementation and ensure compliance with federal goals for WOSB participation.
Practical Implications
- This subpart is designed to promote federal contracting opportunities for women-owned businesses.
- Contractors must ensure accurate certification and documentation to participate.
- Contracting officers must carefully follow procedures to avoid protest or noncompliance.
- Common pitfalls include improper status verification and failure to use required clauses.