Certifications don't win contracts on their own, but they can put you on outreach lists, help you meet primes' subcontracting goals and earn points in some evaluations.
The main programs
| Certification | Who issues it | Most useful for |
|---|---|---|
| HUB (Texas) | Texas Comptroller | Texas state agencies and universities; counties and cities with their own programs |
| Targeted Small Business (Iowa) | Iowa Economic Development Authority, with DAS | Iowa state purchasing; outreach lists |
| MBE/WBE | States, cities, regional agencies, national councils | Counties and cities with participation goals |
| DBE | State DOT unified certification programs | Federally funded transportation projects, including county roads and bridges |
| Veteran-owned / service-disabled veteran-owned | States (for example Texas includes service-disabled veterans in HUB) and the federal government | State and federal set-asides; some local programs |
How to choose
- Look at your customers: which counties, cities and agencies do you sell to, and which certifications do they recognize? Ask their purchasing offices.
- Look at the funding: road and bridge work with federal money often carries DBE goals.
- Look at your primes: large contractors need certified subcontractors to meet goals.
Tips
- Applications take time and documents (ownership, tax returns, licenses). Start early.
- Keep certifications current and list them in your FactWise Vault, so they appear on bid packages automatically.
- Mention your certifications in your vendor registration with each county.
Questions
Do counties set aside contracts for small or minority-owned businesses?
Some do, but most counties don't have broad set-asides. More often they set participation goals on larger contracts, invite certified firms to quote, or award points in proposals.
Does certification cost money?
Texas HUB certification is free from the Comptroller. Other programs vary; many state and DOT programs are free, while some national certifications charge a fee.
Which certification should I get first?
The one your customers recognize. Ask the purchasing offices of your top counties and the prime contractors you work with.