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HUB Certification Process
Apply for HUB Certification Online
The HUB certification application process has gone paperless! View a walkthrough of the certification process (PDF).
Download all applicable HUB certification resources to begin gathering the proper documentation required, by business structure, to efficiently complete the online application submission.
Due to the overwhelming number of applications submitted to the Statewide HUB Program, there is a delay in processing times. Note: Normal processing times do not include weekends, holidays or other days the Comptroller’s office is closed.
HUB application processing timelines:
- New Application: 1 month out before being reviewed
- Recertification Applications: 1 month out before being reviewed
Once a fully completed application (not missing information or documentation) is provided, then a final decision will be made within 90 business days per Texas Administrative Code, Title 34, Chapter 20.288(d).
Ready to apply to become a certified Historically Underutilized Business (HUB)? Visit the Texas Statewide HUB System.
Various partner organizations through the agency’s Memorandums of Agreements offer the same HUB Program certification. Please feel free to contact these organizations for their specific processing times.
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.
If you would like to obtain HUB Certification and additional small business certifications such as DBE, MBE, SBE or WBE certifications at the same time, you can view a list of our partner organizations.
- Vendors complete HUB application and upload supporting documents online through the Texas Statewide HUB System. Recertification applications can be submitted six months prior to expiration date.
- A certification specialist will review the file for completeness based on the HUB eligibility criteria. All clarification requests and actions are made through the Texas Statewide HUB System. Upon certification approval, a vendor profile will be uploaded into the HUB Directory.
- 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.
- 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 six months 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 the Texas Statewide HUB System.
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 $10,000 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.
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 $300,000 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.