1.  The WOSB Program Should Be Modeled After Current SBA Programs

Comment: One respondent commented that the WOSB Program should be modeled after current SBA programs and require either a self-certification or an SBA Certification where eligibility appears on the firm's Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database and Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) profiles.

Response: The WOSB Program adheres to the authorizing statute, section 811 of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000, Public Law 106-554, and SBA regulations. The statute permits both self-certifications by the concern and third-party certification from an entity approved by the SBA. In the SBA final rule the supporting legislative history stated that there was no intent to create a certification program similar to the one for the section 8(a) Business Development Program.