WOSB Accountability Act

# WOSB Accountability Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The WOSB Accountability Act tightens the rules for how the federal government counts women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) toward its contracting goals. Currently, federal agencies can count certain self-certified women-owned businesses when reporting whether they've met their diversity contracting targets. This bill would require that only businesses officially certified by the Small Business Administration, a state government, or an SBA-approved certifying organization count toward these goals.

The bill includes a temporary exception allowing businesses that have applied for certification to count as certified while waiting for their application to be processed. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This primarily affects women business owners seeking federal contracts and the federal agencies responsible for meeting diversity contracting requirements. The bill adds an oversight layer by requiring the SBA to brief Congress quarterly on the certification process and how the new requirements are working. Supporters argue this ensures federal contracting goals reflect genuinely verified women-owned businesses rather than unverified self-certifications, promoting accountability and fairness in government contracting. **Current Status** The bill passed the House of Representatives and is now awaiting consideration in the Senate.