Women Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) may get an advantage in federal contracting under a newly proposed Women-Owned Small- Business rule. (See link below)

For the first time, the Proposed Rule would give federal agencies the ability to set-aside federal contracts for WOSBs in 83 different industries. The 83 industries are broken into two different categories, as follows: (i) 45 industries in which WOSBs are underrepresented and; (ii) 38 industries in which WOSBs are substantially underrepresented. The 83 newly- identified industries cross a wide spectrum of areas.

In example, industries include:

Among the 45 underrepresented industries

• 5415 NAICS codes - Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (e.g. Custom Computer Programming, Computer Systems Design, Computer Facilities Management, etc.)
• 2381 NAICS codes - Specialty Trade Contractors (e.g. Framing, Masonry, Glass and Glazing, Roofing contractors, etc.)
• 3353 NAICS codes - Electrical Equipment, Appliance and Component Manufacturing (e.g. Power, Distribution and Specialty Transformer, Motor and Generator, Relay, Industrial Control manufacturing, etc.)
• 5416 NAICS codes - Professional, Scientific, and Technical services (e.g. Human Resources consulting, Marketing consulting, Environmental consulting, etc.)

Among the 38 substantially underrepresented industries

• 3391 NAICS codes - Miscellaneous Manufacturing (e.g. Surgical and Medical Instrument, Surgical Appliance and Supplies, Dental Equipment, etc.)
• 3231 NAICS codes - Printing and Related Support Activities (e.g. Commercial, Quick, Digital, Books printing, etc.)
• 5417 NAICS codes - Scientific Research and Development Services (e.g. Research and Development in Biotechnology and Research and Development in Physical Engineering and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
• 5418 NAICS codes - Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (e.g. Advertising, Public Relations, and Media Buying agencies, Display and Direct Mail advertising, etc.)

The regulatory clock is ticking and Fedmarket will keep you informed of 8(m) program developments in this continuing series of newsletters.

Read the Women-Owned Small-Business rule; click here.