Why government agencies choose to contract with WOSBs

Government agencies buy billions of dollars of goods and services every year, and who they choose to buy from matters. Beyond cost and capability, agencies are looking for partners who bring innovation, diversity, and accountability to the table. That’s why woman-owned small businesses (WOSBs) often stand out. These companies are not just eligible for set-asides; they’re delivering the kind of results that agencies—from the military to financial regulators—rely on.

Here are some of the biggest reasons government buyers often turn to WOSBs, with examples from my own experience as one of the leaders of College Recruiter:

Meeting Supplier Diversity Goals

The federal government has a mandate to award at least five percent of prime contracting dollars to WOSBs each year. That target isn’t just about numbers—it reflects a commitment to ensuring that women entrepreneurs have a seat at the table. When an agency awards a contract to a WOSB, it helps the agency hit its diversity benchmarks while also encouraging a more inclusive business environment.

Innovation and Agility

Smaller businesses tend to move faster. They pivot when requirements shift, and they tailor solutions instead of forcing agencies into a one-size-fits-all box. At College Recruiter, we’ve won hundreds of government contracts with intelligence agencies, military branches, financial regulators, and healthcare providers because we can adapt quickly. Whether it’s changing job distribution strategies overnight or customizing reporting for compliance, our agility is a big part of why agencies come back to us.

Alignment with Mission Needs

Government buyers aren’t just purchasing technology; they’re buying outcomes that matter for national security, public safety, and the economy. WOSBs often bring unique perspectives that align with those missions. In our case, College Recruiter focuses on connecting agencies with students and recent graduates. For intelligence agencies and the military, that means a pipeline of cleared, trainable talent. For healthcare regulators and providers, it means building a workforce that’s ready to step into critical roles quickly.

Stronger Partnerships

When you’re a WOSB, every contract matters. Agencies get more than a vendor—they get a partner invested in the long-term success of the project. I’ve heard time and again from government clients that they value how accessible and accountable we are. At College Recruiter, we don’t just hand over a product and disappear. We stay engaged, making sure our job distribution campaigns actually deliver the qualified candidates that agencies need.

Supporting Broader Policy Goals

Contracting with WOSBs isn’t only about filling today’s needs. It’s also about supporting tomorrow’s economy. By working with women-led firms, agencies help ensure that the federal marketplace better reflects the population it serves. That creates a ripple effect: more competition, more ideas, and ultimately better outcomes for taxpayers.

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The Bigger Picture

The agencies we’ve worked with—whether in intelligence, defense, finance, or healthcare—didn’t choose College Recruiter just because we’re a WOSB. They chose us because we deliver. The fact that we’re woman-owned is a strength that aligns with their supplier diversity goals, but it’s our track record of results that keeps us in the mix contract after contract.

When you put those pieces together—diversity, agility, mission alignment, partnership, and policy impact—you see why WOSBs like ours are essential partners in government contracting.