Officially, "to help small businesses build their potential to successfully compete in the federal sector"
but effectively to promote businesses owned by various populations, either historically disadvantaged
(minorities, women) or seen as deserving of promotion (military veterans, disabled veterans).
"The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program authorizes contracting officers to set aside certain federal contracts for eligible women-owned small businesses."
http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/contracting...
"The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program authorizes contracting officers to set aside certain federal contracts for eligible women-owned small businesses."