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

Doing Business with theDoing Business with theCommonwealth of PACommonwealth of PA

Curtis Burwell Business Enterprise Analyst

CertificationCertification

PA Law No. 1984-230Executive Order 1996-8

Statement of Policy (as amended February 2002)

State CertificationState Certification

MBE (Minority Business Enterprise)– African Americans– Hispanic Americans– Native Americans– Asian Americans

WBE (Woman Business Enterprise)

Before You BeginBefore You Begin

Applicant must be a U.S. citizenCompany must be a small business and be

for-profitMore than one year in business or SBDC-

reviewed business plan

Certification RequirementsCertification Requirements

a for-profit sole proprietorship, owned and controlled by a minority or woman


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


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

Three areas of evaluation:Three areas of evaluation:

Ownership

Management control

Operational control

OwnershipOwnership

Is the ownership real and substantial?

Keep in mind…Keep in mind…

risk and profitindependencestart-up capitalmajor purchases/leases

Management ControlManagement Control

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


Who holds the highest office?

Operational ControlOperational Control

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


Who has the required permit or license?

After SubmissionAfter 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

What Certification Will DoWhat Certification Will Do

Direct marketing

Contract notification

Contracting opportunities

Technical assistance

Equal opportunity

FREE

What Certification Will Not DoWhat 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

What else do I want youWhat else do I want youto know?to know?

OneOne

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 youFollow-up with the primeFollow-up with the bureau

TwoTwo

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

ThreeThree

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

FourFour

Utilize all the available resources:

• Small Business Development Centers

• Procurement Technical Assistance Centers

• Professional Organizations

• Internet

FiveFive

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

SixSix

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)

SevenSeven

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

Thank You!Thank You!

Please call ore-mail my office

with any questions…

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

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