1. Doing Business with the Commonwealth of PA Curtis Burwell Business Enterprise Analyst

2. Certification PA Law No. 1984-230 Executive Order 1996-8 Statement of Policy (as amended February 2002)

3. State Certification MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) –African Americans –Hispanic Americans –Native Americans –Asian Americans WBE (Woman Business Enterprise)

4. Before You Begin Applicant must be a U.S. citizen Company must be a small business and be for-profit More than one year in business or SBDC- reviewed business plan

6. Certification Requirements a for-profit sole proprietorship, owned and controlled by a minority or woman

7. Certification Requirements a partnership or joint venture controlled by minorities/women in which at least 51% of the beneficial ownership interest is held by minorities/women

8. Certification Requirements a corporation or other business entity controlled by minorities/women in which at least 51% of the voting interest and 51% of the beneficial ownership interest are held by minorities/women

9. Three areas of evaluation: Ownership Management control Operational control

10. Ownership Is the ownership real and substantial?

11. Keep in mind… risk and profit independence start-up capital major purchases/leases

12. Management Control Does the applicant possess the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the firm?

13. Keep in mind… Who holds the highest office?

14. Operational Control Does the applicant have sufficient knowledge, experience and expertise to operate that particular business?

15. Keep in mind… Who has the required permit or license?

16. After Submission Review takes up to 60 days Certification board makes decision If denied, there is an appeal process Your certification lasts two years –Letter and Certificate –Recertification process

17. What Certification Will Do Direct marketing Contract notification Contracting opportunities Technical assistance Equal opportunity FREE

18. What Certification Will Not Do No guarantee that you will receive a contract No preferential treatment No set-aside funds or contracts with DGS Certification is designed to increase opportunity not guarantee success

19. What else do I want you to know?

20. One If you are being solicited by a prime to either meet the MPLs on a bid or for points on a proposal, keep a record: Our bureau staff may call you Follow-up with the prime Follow-up with the bureau

21. Two There is no reason to wait to be solicited; if you know of a project coming out, request the bidder’s list and market from the list

22. Three Know your competition; you can search for all of the MBE/WBEs certified in the same area(s) as you

23. Four Utilize all the available resources: Small Business Development Centers Procurement Technical Assistance Centers Professional Organizations Internet

24. Five Know your commodity codes; check them when you get them and evaluate them every time you add a new product or service

25. Six You can use your MBE/WBE certification as a marketing tool regardless of whether you want to participate in state contracting (but let us know)

26. Seven Work with prime contractors on small, non-state contracts so they get to know you and your business

27. Thank You! Please call or e-mail my office with any questions…