Federal Certification Services
The SBA 8(a) program is the most lucrative and most difficult to achieve. There are approximately 7,000 approved 8(a) firms in the country. 23% of all Federal Contracts MUST go to 8(a) certified firms. Secondly, an 8(a) certified firm is eligible for soul source awards which means that once they have built their reputation in the program they may get contracts without even bidding against other 8(a) certified firms. Thirdly, if certified and bidding against a non-8(a) certified firm, you will get a 5% bidding preference giving you an advantage over your competitive bidder. The process may take anywhere between 3-6 months depending on how much information is requested by the SBA. For those looking for the greatest benefit, the 8(a) certification allows you to grow your business significantly.
The WOSB is one of the easiest certifications to obtain. This is because it is a designation rather than an actual certificate. Obtaining the WOSB Certification will allow you to bid on the 5% set aside for those businesses designated as WOSB.
The WBE is a certification reserved for women-owned businesses only. It mimics the WOSB certification but is verified by one of 5 SBA-approved agencies. This certification has a more complex process than the WOSB because it requires a full application and supporting documentation. Your information will go through a process with the agency and you will be visited by a representative assuring your business indeed is what you represent. We typically advise our clients to obtain this certification if it is being required by a vendor. A physical certificate is issued to the applicant firm.
The MBE is a national certification given by the National Minority Supplier Development Council. They are one of the nations leading corporate membership organizations. They match a firm's goods and services with those of large corporations who intern purchase your product. Think of it as a club where members help each other by purchasing each other's products. This certification includes an application and supporting documentation much like the WBE above.
State Certification Services
The DBE certification is the States premier certification allowing 25% of all state set-asides to be reserved for certified firms. Most people think Metro is the subway and bus systems, but contracts are given to a variety of industries. We have seen them as diversified as ink jet suppliers and marketing. So to think that if you are a service business and don’t qualify think again. Having this certification is a big deal and if obtained will open new doors for you. The process includes an application and supporting documentation to be mailed to the certifying agency. Approval can take up to 3 months.
The Department of General Services serves as the business manager for the State of California. They offer two certifications, the SB and DVBE. Both are online-based certifications. Typical certification time can be within a few hours or weeks depending on the type of industry. For instance, service-based businesses can be certified very quickly while manufacturing companies need to upload documentation which then needs to be verified by a DGS officer. The DVBE certification is reserved for veterans who are at least 10% disabled and honorably discharged. Documents such as dd214 and discharge papers need to be uploaded.
Supported by The California Public Utility Commission (CPUC), which regulates privately owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, and passenger transportation companies. Certification can take up to 2 weeks depending on the complexity of the applicant.