purchasing

HUB Certification Process

HUB Certification through the Statewide HUB Program requires specific information about the small business and supporting documentation to substantiate and verify the business structure is HUB eligible. The review process begins upon receipt of a complete application that includes the supporting documentation required per business structure.

  • Applications will be date stamped, a business file will be created and entered into our database, and assigned to a certification specialists.
  • A certification specialist will review the file for completeness based on the HUB eligibility criteria with clarification requests send by email. Upon certification approval, a vendor profile will be uploaded into the HUB Directory.
  • HUB certification packages are mailed to the address listed on the application and will include a HUB Certification certificate, and resource information for doing business with the state.
  • Proof of HUB certification can be found on the HUB Directory and can be downloaded as needed once the business is certified.
  • HUB Status code “A” signifies a company’s “Active” status as a Texas certified HUB. The CMBL Registration System will allow access to the HUB Directory profile.
  • It is the vendor's responsibility to prepare the profile and maintain the information is accurate and up to date.
Who qualifies to be a Historically Underutilized Business?

An applicant owner must provide proof of 51 percent ownership and control of the day to day operation of the business. The owner must be an economically disadvantaged person meeting eligibility as a(n):

  • Asian Pacific American,
  • Black American,
  • Hispanic American,
  • Native American,
  • American woman, and/or
  • Service-Disabled Veteran with a service-related disability of 20% or greater.

The applicant/owner must:

  • be a U.S. Citizen,
  • prove at least one year of Texas residency,
  • prove control of the day to day operations, and
  • hold company title equivalent to ownership and control requirements.

The applicant business must:

  • be primarily based in Texas,
  • prove its principal place of business is in Texas, and
  • be a for-profit entity that has not exceeded the size standard prescribed by 34 TAC §20.294.

To apply for a free HUB Certification, go to application link.

What are the benefits of HUB Certification?
  • HUB certification is free of charge and good for up to four years, provided that the business continues to meet the eligibility requirements.*
  • Only certified HUBs are listed in the online Texas HUB Directory. State agencies use the HUB Directory in conjunction with the Comptroller's Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) to solicit bids from certified HUBs for state purchasing and public works contracts. Prime contractors also use the HUB Directory to identify HUBs to whom they will send notification of their subcontracting opportunities.
  • For purchases of $5,000 or less, state entities can directly contact a business to buy goods and services.
  • The Texas HUB Directory is also searched by vendors looking for certified HUBs to include in their subcontracting plans for projects of $100,000 or more.
  • Increased exposure to the general public as well as other entities that have a supplier diversity program, and are searching for minority-owned, woman-owned and service disabled veteran-owned businesses.

*Vendors may also receive HUB certification by way of a certification memorandum of agreement the Statewide HUB Program has entered into with other local governments or nonprofit organizations. View more about HUB Certification Agreements

Click here for additional instructions on How to Apply for CMBL or HUB Certification

Please allow up to 90 days for review of HUB Certification applications. Processing time can take longer when applications are incomplete.

IMPORTANT: It is vital to be truthful in all documents provided for HUB certification. It is a state jail felony under Texas Penal Code §37.10 to knowingly provide false information in an application for HUB certification. It is a third degree felony under Texas Government Code §2161.231 to apply for a state contract as a HUB vendor knowing you are not actually a HUB.

If the felony conduct prohibited under Texas Government Code §2161.231 results in the awarding of a state contract, then the act of knowingly acquiring funds derived from that felony conduct may be prosecuted under Texas Penal Code §34.02. An offense under this section is punishable as a felony regardless of the amount of funds derived from the illegal conduct. First degree felony punishment applicable if the value of the funds is $200,000 or more.

  • A first-degree felony is punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • A third-degree felony is punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • A state jail felony is punishable by 180 days to two years in the state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.