Competitive Tools for Your Business
Explore the many tools available for creating new opportunities to do business with the State of Texas:
Hub Certification
HUB certification is a powerful advantage and a vital step. HUB Certification is free of charge and certification is valid for four (4) years, provided that the business continues to meet the eligibility requirements. Once you successfully complete the application process, your business is registered on the web-based HUB directory. State agencies, including public colleges and universities, use the HUB Directory to solicit bids from certified HUBs. Prime contractors also use the HUB directory to identify HUBs to whom they will send notification of their subcontracting opportunities. The HUB directory also increases your exposure to the general public, as well as other entities who have a supplier diversity program and are searching for minority and woman-owned businesses.
Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL)
When state entities plan to buy goods and services, often they search the CMBL for potential vendors. Based on the results of their search, they contact vendors directly by mail, fax, e-mail or phone with invitations for bids. You can register for the CMBL online to immediately be included on the list. The annual registration fee is $70 and covers the cost of the program. It’s a worthwhile investment, averaging $5.83 per month. The CMBL reflects a vendor’s HUB status for state entities looking for potential bidders. Sign up: https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/cmbl/ or call: 512.463.3459.
Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD)
State entities post formal bid opportunities on the Electronic State Business Daily. This online search engine is available to anyone and allows you to identify bid opportunities by type, entity, vendor award or National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Codes. Search the ESBD: http://www.txsmartbuy.com/sp.
Explore HUB Subcontracting Plan Opportunities
Subcontracting is another excellent opportunity for your business. When a state contract’s expected value is $100,000 or more, state entities carefully examine it for subcontracting opportunities. If opportunities are found, bidding vendors must submit a subcontracting plan showing potential use of certified HUBs. Become familiar with the subcontracting process. Once certified, your listing in the online Texas HUB Directory will make your business known as a potential subcontracting partner. Get details: comptroller.texas.gov/procurement/prog/ hub/hub-subcontracting-plan/ or call: 512.463.5894.
You are the best voice for your business, and there are several ways for you to make your business known.
- Pre-proposal conferences offer chances to network with experienced vendors for subcontracting. opportunities. The point of contact on individual bid invitations can provide details on these conferences.
- Economic Opportunity Forums (EOFs) allow you to network with HUB coordinators at individual state agencies and with state purchasers.
- The Statewide HUB Calendar of Events lists networking opportunities, including events by HUB development centers and trade organizations. View the EOF calendar: http://www.txsmartbuy.com/eof/index.html or call: 512.463.5894.
Hub Certification Process
To determine whether your entity qualifies as a HUB, you must complete a HUB application through the State of Texas Comptroller’s Office. Those who qualify will be listed in the Comptroller’s online HUB directory. HUB certification is free and valid for four years when obtained directly from the Comptroller’s Office. Vendors may also receive state HUB certification through a nonprofit organization, though these certifications need to be renewed annually.
Eligibility requirements:
- Business must be at least 51% owned by an Asian Pacific American, Black American, Hispanic American, Native American, American woman and/or Service Disabled Veteran
- Must be a Texas Resident
- Principal place of business must be located in the State of Texas
Visit https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/ for more information on HUB certification.
Hub Subcontracting Plan
In accordance with Texas Gov't Code §2161.252 and Texas Administrative Code §20.14, each state agency (including institutions of higher education) as defined by §2151.002 that considers entering into a contract with an expected value of $100,000 or more shall, before the agency solicits bids, proposals, offers, or other applicable expressions of interest, determine whether subcontracting opportunities are probable under the contract.
If subcontracting opportunities are probable, each state agency's invitation for bids or other purchase solicitation documents for construction, professional services, other services, and commodities with an expected value of $100,000 or more shall state that probability and require a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP).
For more information please visit https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/forms.php
State of Texas Comptroller’s Office
State of Texas Comptroller's Office helps companies by providing education and outreach to minority and woman-owned businesses regarding the Statewide HUB Program and its initiatives. The office of the comptroller also does the following:
- Administer the certification and compliance functions for the Statewide HUB Program
- Assist state agencies and institutions of higher education with training, planning, and implementing HUB education and outreach efforts
- Develop and administer HUB rules and statute to ensure full and equal access to state procurement opportunities for minority and woman-owned businesses, and
- Compile and report, to the Legislature, the State's HUB expenditures and contract awards semi-annually.
Minority, Women, Veteran and Trade Organizations
Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce: dallasblackchamber.org
Dallas/Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc.: dfwmsdc.com
Denton Black Chamber of Commerce: dentonblackchamberonline.org
Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: fwhcc.org
Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce: fwmbcc.org
Regional Hispanic Contractors Association: regionalhca.org
TEXVET: texvet.org
US-India Chamber of Commerce – Dallas/Ft. Worth: usicoc.org
US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce-Southwest: uspaacc-sw.org
Women’s Business Council - Southwest: wbcsouthwest.org