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HUB Certification Process

HUB Certification through the Statewide HUB Program requires general information about your business and supporting documentation to substantiate business structure and HUB eligibility. Upon receipt of your application and supporting documentation:

  • Your file will be entered into our database and assigned to one of our certification specialists.
  • The certification specialist will review your file for completeness and HUB eligibility criteria. If more information is needed, the certification specialist will request this information from the primary point of contact listed on your application.
  • Upon certification approval, your vendor profile will be uploaded into the HUB Directory. A HUB certification package, which includes a certificate and resources for doing business with the state, will be mailed to the address provided on your application. If you need proof of certification prior to the receipt of your certificate, please look up your vendor profile on the HUB Directory. HUB Status code “A” signifies a company’s status as a Texas certified HUB. You can also maintain your profile by logging into the CMBL Registration System.
Who qualifies to be a Historically Underutilized Business?
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • a for-profit entity that has not exceeded the size standard prescribed by 34 TAC §20.294, and has its principal place of business in Texas, and

Is at least 51 percent owned by an 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, who reside in Texas and actively participate in the control, operations and management of the entity's affairs.

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 us to evaluate your HUB Certification application. Processing time may take longer if your application is incomplete, does not include all required documentation or if we require additional information to substantiate HUB eligibility.

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.