Supplier Diversity – California Unified Certification Program

About this post. This is one of several posts (overview) sharing R|CAT’s afternoons of in real time blogging about certifying entities and their certification criteria.

This post presents initial activities of reviewing (beginning on 29 November) the California Unified Certification Program or UCP (California-based) certification process. The program is the federal Department of Transportation’s DBE Unified Certification Program.

What R|CAT has learned. The CPUC overview for the DBE program includes 3 links – CalTrans, CUCP, federal DOT. Based on this initial review, use the California UCP site map as a starting point. (R|CAT started with the CalTrans site.)

Applying is free. As a new business that has not been certified in the past, R|CAT must complete and mail two forms – (1) DBE application and (2)  the Personal Net Worth Statement, as well as providing copies of several required documents. R|CAT will submit its application either to BART, SAMTRANS, or VTA, among the six agency options.

The UCP is administering the federal DBE program. With no on-line application process, the UCP has a fillable .pdf form that would then be printed and mailed to the certifying agency. A business would apply to one of several member agencies throughout the state (.pdf) based on the which county the business is located. After submitting the application, a business would participate in an agency conducting an on-site visit.

RECOMMEND: Review the DBE File Processing Flow Chart (.pdf) for overall process.
OPINION: The State/CalTrans site is a bit of a maze of links and redundant information. Use the CUCP site.

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California Unified Certification Program

This California Unified Certification Program or UCP (California-based) is the state’s program for qualifying businesses to be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).

The California’s Department of Transportation (or CalTrans), Office of Business and Economic Opportunity (or OBEO), is one of the certifying agencies.

Per CalTrans’s description, the DBE program’s main objectives are  as follows –

• To ensure that small DBE firms can compete fairly for federally funded transportation-related projects.
• To ensure that only eligible firms participate as a DBE firm.
• To assist DBE firms in competing outside of the DBE Program.

In order for small disadvantaged firms, including those owned by minorities and women, to participate as a DBE in DOT-assisted contracts, they must apply for and receive certification as a DBE. For the state of California, DBE certification is performed by the certifying agencies of the California Unified Certification Program (CUCP).

The CUCP also can be administered by other select member agencies throughout the state.

Overview

The UCP is the California program for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s DBE program described as –

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), through its operating administrations which include Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, distributes in excess of $20 billion annually throughout the nation to help finance thousands of projects across the country. Although a major portion of the funds is allocated for highway construction, funds are also provided to local public transit authorities, including the District, for mass transit projects. The DOT DBE Program provides a vehicle for increasing the participation by disadvantaged businesses in these procurements.

Certification Qualifications

One of the main criteria is for the business seeking certification to have at leat 51% ownership (and control) by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual, for which R|CAT qualifies under –

6. “Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual” means any individual who is a citizen of the United States (or lawfully admitted permanent resident) and who is:

1. Any individual found to be socially and economically disadvantaged, on a case-by-case basis, by a certifying agency of the CUCP, pursuant to standards of the U.S. D.O.T. in 49 CFR Part 26, Subpart D-Certification Standards.

2. Any individual in the following groups, members of which are reputably presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged:

4. “Asian-Pacific Americans” which includes persons whose origins are from Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia (Kampuchea), Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Samoa, Guam, the U. S. Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands (Republic of Palau), the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, Macao, Fiji, Tonga, Kirbati, Juvalu, Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia, or Hong Kong;

Navigating the DBE-related Information

Although the State and CalTrans information is relatively straightforward, it is relatively dense and often redundant, depending which links one follows. Furthermore, in some cases, it is unclear which is the more recent and relevant information. Nevertheless, the main objective is to complete and submit the application form. R|CAT attempts to access the nuts and bolts of the application process.

Application Form

The forms may be accessed from the CalTrans OBEO site, which links to the forms over here (image below).

For the get-to-the-point, download fillable forms at the following –

• DBE application form (.pdf) – downloadable
• Personal Net Worth Statement (.pdf) – downloadable

– with the following support information to reference while filling out the forms –

• DBE instructions (.pdf), version 11/2014 – not word-searchable
• sample application packet (.pdf) – can see a partially filled-in application

The California UCP site map, which R|CAT found after reviewing the CalTrans information, is a much more efficient way to understand the process.

Certifying Agencies

Based on the CUCP site, there are ten DBE certifying agencies throughout California. R|CAT may opt to apply to one of these six member agencies serving Alameda County (.pdf) –

• Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (CCCTA)
• City of Fresno
• S.F. Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART)
• San Francisco Municipal Transportation Ageny (SFMTA)
• San Mateo County Transit District (SAMTRANS)/Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (JPB)
• Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)

Application Content Requirements

Based on a quick review of the application content requirements and required documents, here is information beyond what is required of The Supplier Clearinghouse and Department of General Services (DGS) processes –

• NAICS – rather than the SIC (required by the Clearinghouse) or UNSPSC® (required by the DGS)
• About financials – Served as a subcontractor with another firm constituting more than 25% of your firm’s receipts?
• About ownership – Initial investment to acquire ownership interest in firm
• What is the personal net worth of this disadvantaged owner applying for certification?
• Has any trust been created for the benefit of this disadvantaged owner(s)?
• Officer of the Company – Date appointed
• Personal Net Worth Statement (.pdf)

 

Also, a straightforward “check the box” items regarding owner activities and duties are required.

For the California Unified Certification Program (UCP) process, what tips do you have for completing the process?

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Supplier Diversity – Clearinghouse Status at 70% Complete

About this status update. This post presents R|CAT’s updated status since beginning the application process. On December 5, R|CAT provided an interim status of its application.

On December 6 (as expected), R|CAT received an email reminder about the status of its Clearinghouse application. Why “as expected”? The Clearinghouse has sent two email reminders about the status (incomplete) of R|CAT’s application. December 6 represented eight days since receiving the most recent email reminder. R|CAT began the application process with the Supplier Clearinghouse application on November 12. R|CAT’s deadline for completing and submitting its application is in February.

In the beginning on November 12, 0% complete.

On November 15, after initial efforts to complete application, 65% complete (although not listed in the main summary).

On December 6, after completing two additional Section 3, Business Profile, items.

Completing Seventy Percent

To date, R|CAT is at the 70% completeness status. After adding information for two items in Section 3, Business Profile – (1) date established (3.B.) and (2) indicate local business, contractor and professional license(s) (3.H.) – R|CAT reached seventy percent.

For accuracy and correctness, R|CAT will seek clarification for these two items as follows:

1. Date established – Is this (a) establishing the sole proprietorship, prior to establishing the dba Resource Catalysts; (b) the formal dba public notice publication (or end of comment period) in 1994, (c) the corporation filing date with the California Secretary of State, or (d) the completeness date of obtaining corporate status with the State?
2. Business license – R|CAT’s local city business license does not have an issuance date. Rather, the license only lists a May 31, 2016 expiration date.

Thirty Percent Into the Home Stretch

Meanwhile, the additional thirty percent remaining include compiling mandatory, required documents –

• copy of bank account signature card, or letter from your bank verifying person(s) authorized to sign checks and the number of signatures required
• evidence of personal capital contributions (such as cancelled checks) or an explanation and substantiating evidence of other consideration given to acquire ownership interest in the business (initial investment).
• most recent federal tax returns IN FULL, for Corporations – Form 1120, 1120A, or 1120S, including all statements and applicable schedules
• notarized, verification agreement and affidavit of application

R|CAT next steps include obtaining (another copy of the) bank account signature card, an explanation/evidence of initial investment and ownership, and a copy of 2014 federal tax returns (with previous years tax returns since 2006 available).

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About this post. This is one of several posts (overview) sharing R|CAT’s afternoons of in real time blogging about certifying entities and their certification criteria.

Supplier Diversity – Clearinghouse Documents, Status

About this post. This is one of several posts (overview) sharing R|CAT’s afternoons of in real time blogging about certifying entities and their certification criteria.

This post presents R|CAT’s current status for the The Supplier Clearinghouse since initially beginning the Clearinghouse application process on November 12 and receiving email reminders about the status (incomplete) of my application.

Additional Information Gathered

With an application only 65% complete, a deadline of February 10, 2016, and the holiday season, R|CAT is chipping away at compiling mandatory documents. Additional information (or documents) gathered since November 12 includes –

• local business license information
• copy of U.S. passport
• Articles of Incorporation, including documents issued by the Secretary of State
• By-Laws and any amendments of the Corporation

Glad to know my passport remains active, with an expiration date of August 29, 2017.

Either / Or? Both

Although a detailed resume OR work history with dates, duties, and responsibilities is required, R|CAT is creating both. R|CAT currently has a somewhat unconventional format for a resume; therefore, a detailed resume is being created.

Outstanding Application Information

With that said, the additional information still outstanding are as follows.

• date business established
  (clarifying whether it is the date when R|CAT was initially established as a sole proprietorship in 1994 or when corporate status was established in 2003)
• copy of bank account signature card, or letter from your bank verifying person(s) authorized to sign checks and the number of signatures required
• evidence of personal capital contributions (such as cancelled checks) or an explanation and substantiating evidence of other consideration given to acquire ownership interest in the business (initial investment).
• most recent federal tax returns IN FULL, for Corporations – Form 1120, 1120A, or 1120S, including all statements and applicable schedules
• notarized, verification agreement and affidavit of application

Supplier Diversity – Clearinghouse Email Reminder

On November 12, R|CAT started the supplier diversity application process with The Supplier Clearinghouse. As shared in an earlier post, the Clearinghouse has a 90-day duration until the application is deleted, if it has not yet been submitted as a complete application.

Every Eight Days

To date, R|CAT has received two email reminders on November 20 and November 28. Below is an image of the email received November 28, which is the same content as the initial reminder.

 

This every-eight-days reminder is a good trigger to chip away at the remaining information during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The bottom line – 74 days remaining.

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About this post. This is one of several posts (overview) sharing R|CAT’s afternoons of in real time blogging about certifying entities and their certification criteria.

 

Classifications – SIC and NAICS Codes

R|CAT is applying for at least two of the six supplier diversity certifications programs for which R|CAT qualifies. The first application started was for The Supplier Clearinghouse. One of the form requirements is to identify the SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) four digit code(s).

About this post. The following are R|CAT’s current SIC codes and NAICS codes (i.e., Northern American Industry Classification System codes) based on intended services.

What R|CAT has learned. SIC Codes 8999 (primary), and 8742 and 8299. NAICS* Codes 541620 (primary), and 541612 and 611430.

REFERENCE for SIC and NAICS codes: http://siccode.com/en

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Section 2.A. Business Specialty

In The Supplier Clearinghouse process, a description of Business Specialty is required. R|CAT has been described as an Environmental and Energy Consulting practice, providing air quality, energy projects, and environmental communications consulting services. With the additional Behavior Design services, here is the current description (subject to change) provided in the Clearinghouse application –

Resource Catalysts (R|CAT) provides environmental, energy, and human resources consulting services – Environmental / Air Quality, Energy Projects / Power Generation support, Environmental Communications, and Behavior Design / Organizational Culture Development.

Environmental and Energy Consulting services include the following: regulatory strategy and advocacy, project feasibility analyses, and permitting/compliance management services to address issues pertaining to air quality, energy project development and operations, and environmental communications.

Human Resources Consulting, Management Consulting, and Professional and Management Development Training services are based on applying Behavior Design and Applied Improvisation practices and philosophies for the following: environmental health & safety management and compliance practices, professional development, cultural diversity awareness, and leadership (esp. servant leadership).

The overall categories used and the descriptions listed are based on the SIC codes. This post is for reference in anticipation that other business-related applications may request NAICS codes rather than SIC codes (or both?). For R|CAT’s primary business classification, SIC 8999 and NAICS 541620 are the most representative.

Section 2.B. for SIC Codes

“Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes are four-digit numerical codes assigned by the U.S. government to business establishments to identify the primary business of the establishment. The classification was developed to facilitate the collection, presentation and analysis of data; and to promote uniformity and comparability in the presentation of statistical data collected by various agencies of the federal government, state agencies and private organizations. The classification covers all economic activities.”
Reference: What is a SIC Code?

8999 – Services, Not Elsewhere Classified

This SIC is described as Miscellaneous Services, and environmental consultants is one of several listed services. This SIC is described as –

Authors, artists, and related technical services, independent record production, scientific and related consulting services, music publishing, actuarial consulting , all other information providers, environmental consultants.

8742 – Management Consulting Services

Industry Group 874 is described as Management and Public Relations Services. This SIC is described as Management Consulting Services, and human resource consultants and personnel management consultants are listed. This SIC is described as –

Establishments primarily engaged in furnishing operating counsel and assistance to managements of private, nonprofit, and public organizations. These establishments generally perform a variety of activities, such as strategic and organizational planning; financial planning and budgeting; marketing objectives and policies; information systems planning, evaluation and selection; human resource policies and practices planning; and production scheduling and control planning. These establishments are characterized by the breadth and scope of the problems they address.

8299 – Schools and Educational Services, Not Elsewhere Classified

R|CAT selected this SIC to describe potential applied improvisation training and improv-related training services. This SIC is described as –

Establishments primarily engaged in offering educational courses and services, not elsewhere classified. Included in this industry are music schools, drama schools, language schools, short-term examination preparatory schools, student exchange programs, curriculum development, and vocational counseling, except rehabilitation counseling.

(It is not clear whether this SIC code is applicable. It may be that 8742 is sufficient for R|CAT applied improvisation training and improv-related training.)

NAICS – North American

“The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is used by businesses and governments to classify and measure economic activity in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. NAICS is 6-digit code system that is currently the standard used by federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments.  NAICS organizes establishments into industries according to the similarity in the processes used to produce goods or services.”
Reference: What is a NAICS Code?

Based on SIC codes, two NAICS Industry Sectors – 54 and 61 – match R|CAT’s services –

NAICS Industry Sector 54 is for Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, described as –

“The Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector comprises establishments that specialize in performing professional, scientific, and technical activities for others. These activities require a high degree of expertise and training. The establishments in this sector specialize according to expertise and provide these services to clients in a variety of industries and, in some cases, to households.”

NAICS Industry Sector 61 is for Educational Services, described as –

The Educational Services sector comprises establishments that provide instruction and training in a wide variety of subjects. This instruction and training is provided by specialized establishments, such as schools, colleges, universities, and training centers. These establishments may be privately owned and operated for profit or not for profit, or they may be publicly owned and operated. They may also offer food and/or accommodation services to their students.

Educational services are usually delivered by teachers or instructors that explain, tell, demonstrate, supervise, and direct learning. Instruction is imparted in diverse settings, such as educational institutions, the workplace, or the home, and through diverse means, such as correspondence, television, the Internet, or other electronic and distance-learning methods. The training provided by these establishments may include the use of simulators and simulation methods. It can be adapted to the particular needs of the students, for example sign language can replace verbal language for teaching students with hearing impairments. All industries in the sector share this commonality of process, namely, labor inputs of instructors with the requisite subject matter expertise and teaching ability.

For SIC 8999, 8742, and 8299, the following three NAICS codes match R|CAT’s services.

541620 – Environmental Consulting Services

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing advice and assistance to businesses and other organizations on environmental issues, such as the control of environmental contamination from pollutants, toxic substances, and hazardous materials. these establishments identify problems (e.g., inspect buildings for hazardous materials), measure and evaluate risks, and recommend solutions. they employ a multidisciplined staff of scientists, engineers, and other technicians with expertise in areas, such as air and water quality, asbestos contamination, remediation, and environmental law. Establishments providing sanitation or site remediation consulting services are included in this industry.

541612 – Human Resources Consulting Services

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing advice and assistance to businesses and other organizations in one or more of the following areas: (1) human resource and personnel policies, practices, and procedures; (2) employee benefits planning, communication, and administration; (3) compensation systems planning; and (4) wage and salary administration.

611430 – Professional and Management Development Training

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in offering an array of short duration courses and seminars for management and professional development. Training for career development may be provided directly to individuals or through employers’ training programs; and courses may be customized or modified to meet the special needs of customers. Instruction may be provided in diverse settings, such as the establishment’s or client’s training facilities, educational institutions, the workplace, or the home, and through diverse means, such as correspondence, television, the internet, or other electronic and distance-learning methods. The training provided by these establishments may include the use of simulators and simulation methods.

How many SIC/NAICS codes does your business use for your business classification, e.g., primary, secondary?

* The California UCP requires NAICS codes.

Supplier Diversity – The Supplier Clearinghouse

About this post. This is one of several posts (overview) sharing R|CAT’s afternoons of in real time blogging about certifying entities and their certification criteria.

This post presents initial activities for formally beginning (on 12 November) the The Supplier Clearinghouse (California-based) application process, as well as some thoughts while “walking-through” the process.

Bottom line. Applying is free. The on-line application process is an alternative to the hard copy application process. Create an account to start the process. There are several mandatory, required documents that must be scanned. The application must be notarized (which also must be scanned). Information about (but not hard copies of) any maintained licenses is required. The User Manuals are easy to follow and read. A one-hour training (which requires signing-up for a specified date and time) to complete the on-line process is available, as well.

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The Supplier Clearinghouse

The Supplier Clearinghouse, under the CPUC supplier diversity program, has an on-line application processes. If preferred, applying via hardcopy is an option.

The Supplier Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) is described as follows:

The Supplier Clearinghouse is a Commission-supervised entity whose primary purpose is to audit and verify the status of WMBEs and LGBTBEs, and to establish and maintain a database of WMBE/DVBE/LGBTBE firms that is accessible to the CPUC and to participating utilities. The Supplier Clearinghouse audit and verification program precludes the need for individual utilities to audit and verify WMBE/DVBE/LGBTBE firms with whom they do business — it is one-stop shop.

Overview

Creating an account with the Clearinghouse and filling in the on-line application is straightforward.

Step 1: Create an account (which requires business Federal Tax ID number)
Step 2: Review program information (optional)
Step 3: Receive/review email confirmation of account information
Step 4a: Begin the on-line application process by self-identifying type of business using prescribed drop-down links.
Step 4b: Choose “Continue” after self-identifying to access the actual on-line application.
Step 4c: Receive/review email confirmation of account information (which includes the direct link to access the specific vendor application)
Step 4d: Fill-in on-line application sections and regularly save.
(NOTE: Because it is an on-line process, lack of on-line activity will require re-logging in to the dashboard. )
Step 4*: R|CAT suggestion – Create separate off-line document containing responses to application fields, which may be used for completing other certifying entities’ application forms for certification
Step 5: Collect mandatory, required documents to scan
Step 6: Complete and notarize the Agreement and Affidavit form (.pdf)
Step 7: Submit
and
Step 8: Be patient (based on other colleagues’ experiences)

The “hard part”? While not difficult, compiling the mandatory, requirement documents may be time-consuming.

About the Program

The on-line process appears fairly streamlined. The Clearinghouse provides information about Why Apply. For the two criteria R|CAT fulfills, participating utilities’ procurement goals are

• 5% goal for woman-owned businesses
• 15% goal for minority-owned businesses

– for which the criteria under the CPUC’s General Order 156 (.pdf) are –

“Women-owned business” means (1) a business enterprise (a) that is at least 51% owned by a woman or women or (b) if a publicly owned business, at least 51% of the stock of which is owned by one or more women, and (2) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of those individuals.
(section 1.3.2)

“Minority-owned business” means (1) a business enterprise (a) that is at least 51% owned by a minority individual or group(s) or (b) if a publicly owned business, at least 51 % of the stock of which is owned by one or more minority groups, and (2) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of those individuals. The contracting utility shall presume that minority includes, but is not limited to, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, and other groups, as defined herein.(section 1.3.3)

Asian Pacific American person, for purposes of this General Order, refers to a person having origin in Asia or the Indian subcontinent, including, but not limited to, persons from Japan, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Trust Territories of the Pacific, Northern Marianas, Laos, Cambodia, Taiwan, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
(section 1.3.12)

The application submission is free. Based on the benefits described, R|CAT is applying for classification as a women-owned, minority-owned business.

Creating An Account

R|CAT is considered a new applicant, regardless of previously certified status (pre-2007). Creating an account requires basic information, including the Federal Tax ID Number.

After creating an account, an email confirmation of a created account is sent. Information to start the application process is included.

With this a series of clicks, several web pages can be accessed. Because of R|CAT’s number of employees (one) and historical annual receipts of the past three years, R|CAT qualifies for the Fast Track Process application.

As a prospective applicant, the dashboard provides useful information for the overall application process. Seeing the beginning of the Fast Track Process is a milestone.

On-Line Fast Track Process and Documents

The hard part.  In addition to filling in the on-line form, there are several mandatory, required documents. Also, the application process requires a notarized the Supplier Clearinghouse Participation Agreement & Affidavit (.pdf).

After reviewing the list, choosing to continue formally begins the application process.

Another confirmation email is sent to confirm this action.

Receiving this email confirmation is another milestone – completing the creation of a Clearinghouse account and accessing the on-line application form.

Form-Filling Milestones and Discoveries

The “Certification Application: Main Summary” page presents the level of completeness of the application sections –

1. Contact Information
2. Business Capabilities
3. Business Profile
4. Owners & Management Personnel

– with a “fifth” section for mandatory documents to be submitted electronically or by hard copy/mail.

In the beginning

In the middle

Near the end

Almost complete.

The date for the Clearinghouse’s deletion of the application is February 10, 90-days from my initially starting the process. An extension (upon request) of one-week is available. This means that for the next several weeks, mandatory and requirement documents will be gathered and scanned to complete the application process for Clearinghouse review.

Discoveries

A few discoveries and thoughts emerged while completing some of the sections –

• SIC Codes – R|CAT’s three Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes are 8999, 8742 and 8299. When establishing R|CAT in 1994, R|CAT identified under two SIC codes – 8999 and 8742. Based on additional services offered by R|CAT, SIC codes include –
  • 8999 – Environmental Consultants
  • 8742 – Human Resources and Personnel Management Consulting, Management Consulting Services
  • 8299* – Professional and Management Development Training

• Copy responses – Realizing information in this process may be used for other certifications, responses for select items are copied into an off-line document.

• Business Specialty – Completing the “Business Specialty” section (Section 2.A.) was an iterative process, as I described services more in line with the selected SIC Codes.

• Date established – R|CAT was established in Spring 1994 as a sole proprietorship, with formal public notice dba filing completed in October 1994 and corporate status in 2003. Will review archived files to determine correct date for this form.

• Local business, contractor, or professional licenses – A hard copy of licenses is not required, howvever, dates (issuance, expiration) and license holder name is required, for which R|CAT maintains a local business license.

For The Supplier Clearinghouse certification process, what tips do you have for completing the process?

Update
* After further reviewing SIC codes, it is unclear whether this code applies for the type of training services R|CAT intends to provide. One version of the SIC definitions references “schools” of which R|CAT is not.

Supplier Diversity Certification – Overview

Several prospective clients, past clients, and consulting colleagues have asked whether R|CAT is certified. As of November 2015 –

No, R|CAT is not yet certified.
Yes, R|CAT was previously certified under several criteria.
Yes, R|CAT is applying for certification to organizations, where R|CAT fulfills the certification criteria.

About this post. This overview is the first of several posts sharing R|CAT’s afternoons of in real time blogging about gathering information to submit certification applications for select certifying entities

• The Supplier Clearinghouse
• Department of General Services
• California Unified Certification Program
• U.S. Small Business Administration
• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
• National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc.

UPDATE: Posts related to R|CAT’s certification endeavors are tagged certification for ease of reference.

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Why Certify

In short, government agencies, regulated businesses, and other organizations have procurement goals for procuring products and services from certified business entities.

What does certified mean? A business may become certified by qualifying and fulfilling certification criteria, depending on the certifying organization requirements. Some organizations have a fee for certification, while many do not have fees. All organizations have application forms.

As one example, the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC’s) Supplier Diversity Program states –

Our program monitors supplier diversity in procurements by participating utilities and oversees a clearinghouse of women; minority; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); and disabled veteran-owned business enterprises.  

For reference,the CPUC compiled a table (.pdf) of available certifications.

Fulfilling Certification Criteria

Each certifying entity has prescriptive criteria. Based on a cursory review of the available certifications, R|CAT may secure certification for the following:

• Woman Owned Business Enterprise
  (The Supplier Clearinghouse under CPUC supervision)
• Minority Owned Business Enterprise
  (The Supplier Clearinghouse under CPUC supervision)
• Small Business Enterprise or Microbusiness Enterprise
  (Department of General Services (DGS))
• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
  (California Unified Certification Program (CUCP) under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), CalTrans)
• 8(a) Business Development Program
  (U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA))
• Women Owned Small Business
  (U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA))
• Women’s Business Enterprise
  (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC))
• Minority Business Enterprise
  (National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. (NMSDC))

R|CAT does not fulfill the following criteria: LGBT Owned Business (CPUC), Disabled Veteran Business (DGS), The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) (SBA), and Service Disabled Veteran Owned (SBA).

Following this post is a series of blog posts about certifying entities and their certification criteria.

What certification(s) does your business maintain? What tips do you have for completing the certification process?