Rug Rats earns WBENC and WOSB certifications

Rug Rats Inc. has secured dual WBENC and WOSB certifications, expanding the Virginia Beach custom rug maker’s access to federal contracting and supplier-diversity programs. The milestone marks 39 years in business for the woman-owned company founded by Sandy Pharr in 1987.

Why it matters: - The dual certifications broaden Rug Rats Inc.’s eligibility for federal contracts and corporate supplier-diversity programs nationwide. - WBENC status can help the Virginia Beach company qualify as a woman-owned vendor for Fortune 500 companies, federal agencies and other government entities. - WOSB certification opens access to federal contract set-asides for women-owned small businesses in underrepresented industries.

What happened: - Rug Rats Inc. earned certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned Small Business federal contracting program. - The company has been in business since 1987 and is marking 39 years as a woman-owned custom logo rug and commercial entrance mat maker. - Sandy Pharr founded Rug Rats Inc. and remains the company’s owner and leader.

The details: - Rug Rats already holds Virginia SWaM certification, eVA registration, BBB A+ accreditation and Buy American Act compliance. - WBENC certification recognizes businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by women. - Rug Rats designs and produces custom logo rugs, commercial entrance mats and branded floor coverings for clients in all 50 states. - Every product is made to order in the United States by American mills. - The company offers a free 24-hour digital design proof on every order and has no minimum order requirement. - Pharr said the certifications formalize the company’s woman-owned and woman-led status and help open doors with procurement teams and federal agencies. - Pharr also said every quote still passes through her personally before leaving the office. - Past and current clients include Sotheby’s International Realty, Hampden-Sydney College, Longwood University, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. - Rug Rats can provide certificates of origin for federal contracts that require documentation of U.S. production. - Entry-level indoor logo mats start at $65 for a 2’×3’ size. - Custom logo rugs range from $225 for a 3’×5’ standard size to about $1,500 for large or custom-shaped commercial pieces. - Quantity discounts are available. - Standard production takes about 10 business days after proof approval, and rush production is available for time-sensitive projects.

Between the lines: - The certifications give Rug Rats a more formal path into procurement channels that often require documented ownership status and domestic-production credentials. - The company is leaning on founder-led service and U.S.-made production as differentiators while expanding its addressable market. - Rug Rats’ mix of federal compliance, custom manufacturing and personal sales oversight positions the business for both government and commercial buyers.

What’s next: - Rug Rats is now positioned to pursue more federal opportunities and supplier-diversity relationships tied to WBENC and WOSB status. - The company will continue offering made-to-order rugs and mats with a free proof, no minimum order and rush turnaround options. - Customers can find more information at the company’s website.