MBE/WBE Certification Application

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MBE/WBE Certification Application

MBE/WBE Certification Application


MBE/WBE Certification Application

MBE/WBE Certification Application


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Home > Doing Business with the Commonwealth > Bureau of Minority and Women Business Opportunities > MBE WBE & Certification > FAQs

MBE WBE Applying for Certification FAQs

My company is certified by another entity state. How can I become certified with you?
Is there an application fee?
I just started my business: may I apply for certification?
Can I be certified if I have not yet started my business?
Where can I find help in creating a business plan.
Must a company have a physical location in Pennsylvania to apply for MBE or WBE certification with the state?
What do you mean by operational and management control?
Can we qualify for certification if over 51% of our employees are minorities or women?
How can certification benefit my company?
Do you certify non-Pennsylvania companies?
Do you certify businesses owned by persons with disabilities?
Do you certify veteran-owned businesses?
Who decides what is and is not a minority?
How do you define minority?
What are the certification requirements?
Are certified companies guaranteed contracts?
My company is certified by another entity state. How can I become certified with you?

MBE WBE certification through the PA Department of General Services is not reciprocal with other states certification programs, but it does share partial reciprocity for PA-based companies with certifications through the PA Unified Certification Program (Allegheny County Dept. of MBE WBE DBE, PennDOT, Port Authority, the City of Philadelphia, and SEPTA), the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), or the Women s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). These companies may complete the Specialized Application for Certification as a Minority or Women Business Enterprise: all others must use the standard application.


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Is there an application fee?

No, certification is free.


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I just started my business: may I apply for certification?

A company that has been actively doing business for less than one year may still apply for certification. One requirement: when you submit the certification application, you must include a two-year business plan reviewed by a Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center.


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Can I be certified if I have not yet started my business?

No, BMWBO certifies the company, not the individual; we cannot certify a company that does not yet exist.


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Where can I find help in creating a business plan.

You can find information and help in creating a business plan at your local Small Business Development Center. You may also try one of the SBDC s free On-Demand Online Learning Programs which will lead you step by step, teaching you to create your own business plan.


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Must a company have a physical location in Pennsylvania to apply for MBE or WBE certification with the state?

No, out-of-state companies may apply for certification in Pennsylvania without having a physical presence within the state. They must, however, first have their home state MBE or WBE certification, if available.


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What do you mean by operational and management control?
Operational Control:
Minority and or women owners must demonstrate that they possess the experience, expertise, and knowledge to operate their particular types of business. Generally, expertise limited to office management, administration, or bookkeeping functions unrelated to the company s primary business does not adequately demonstrate control.
Management Control:
Minority and or women owners must have authority to make management, policy, and operational decisions that affect the company s day-to-day and long-term direction or future. Further, the firm must not be under any formal or informal restrictions (such as bylaws, partnership agreements, etc. ) that limit this authority.


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Can we qualify for certification if over 51% of our employees are minorities or women?

No. The Commonwealth bases MBE WBE certification on ownership rather than employee makeup. Only when a company has at least 51% minority and or women ownership may it seek certification.


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How can certification benefit my company?

See the Benefits of Certification on the certification program overview.


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Do you certify non-Pennsylvania companies?

Yes, but out-of-state companies must first obtain their home state certification (if available) before pursuing PA MBE WBE certification. Home state is defined as the state in which the company bases its headquarters.


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Do you certify businesses owned by persons with disabilities?

No, Pennsylvania does not yet certify businesses owned by disabled persons. Those interested in seeing such a certification should contact their Local Representatives.


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Do you certify veteran-owned businesses?

Yes, please visit portal. state. pa. us portal server. pt community vobe_sdv_certification 18734.


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Who decides what is and is not a minority?

The Pennsylvania Legislature defines what a minority is.


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How do you define minority?

Minority is defined as a United States citizen who is a Black (African) American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian-Pacific American, or Asian-Indian American. For a more detailed definition, please see Section § 58. 202 of the Statement of Policy.


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What are the certification requirements?

To be eligible for certification, a company must:
Be at least 51% owned and controlled by qualified minorities and or women.
Have no more than 100 employees.
Be owned by a United States citizen or citizens.
Be in business for at least one year or have a two-year business plan reviewed by a Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center.
Be independent of any other business entity(-ies).
Be for-profit.
Provide and be qualified to provide the goods and services for which it is being certified.
Additionally, the woman or minority owner must hold the highest position within the company.


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Are certified companies guaranteed contracts?

No, certification does not guarantee work to certified companies; however, it does enhance their exposure to prime contractors and the business community. To be successful, a firm must market itself, its personnel and its services, as any good business should.


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MBE WBE Recertification FAQs

How long does my certification last?
My certification is about to expire, and I want to recertify. What do I do?
My certification expired several years ago: how can I recertify?
Do I need to submit another application if my company s structure or ownership has changed?
How long does my certification last?

Certification generally lasts for two years. If you applied using the specialized application and the other certification upon which you based your Commonwealth certification expires before two years, your certification will last as long as the other certification before you must recertify. * About 60 - 90 days before your certification expires, you will receive a recertification affidavit. Complete and submit the affidavit and current required documentation to recertify.
* Bear in mind that you must maintain the other certification to recertify through the Commonwealth. If you let the other certification lapse, you will need to complete and submit a new standard application to maintain your certification with the Commonwealth.


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My certification is about to expire, and I want to recertify. What do I do?

You should receive a recertification affidavit about two or three months before your current certification expires. Complete and submit the affidavit along with the required current information. Certain situations, such as a major change in ownership or company structure, may require that you submit a full certification application.
If you do not receive the recertification affidavit within a reasonable time, contact BWMBO or download a copy of the form at portal. state. pa. us portal server. pt community forms___publications 1532.
NOTE: Submit your recertification affidavit and documentation promptly. If your certification expires during the review process, your certification will temporarily lapse until BMWBO approves your application.


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My certification expired several years ago: how can I recertify?

You must complete a new Application for Certification as a Minority or Women Business Enterprise . Click here to view all BMWBO forms.


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Do I need to submit another application if my company s structure or ownership has changed?

Major changes in ownership, company structure, etc. may require a new certification application. Contact BMWBO s Certification Division for more information.


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MBE WBE Certification Application FAQs

How can I apply for certification?
Can I apply for certification online?
Is there anyone who can help me fill out the application?
Must I complete the Specialized Application for Certification as a Minority Women Business Enterprise if I m certified through WBENC, NMSDC, or UCP?
How do I prove my minority status if it isn t designated on my birth certificate?
After reading through the list of documents I need to submit with my application, not all of them apply to my business: should I submit something else instead?
I just started my business, so I don t have two-years worth of W2s, tax statements, or 1099s. What do I do?
What does it mean when the application asks that I attached an initial form signed when the company s bank account was opened?
What do you mean when you ask for three recent invoices?
Must I submit a business plan if I don t have one?
Why do you require businesses established less than a year to submit a two-year business plan?
Will you accept a business plan that hasn t been reviewed by a Pennsylvania SBDC?
Where do I send the completed application?
How can I apply for certification?

You can find a copy of the Application for Certification as a Minority or Women Business Enterprise or the Specialized Application for Certification as a Minority or Women Business Enterprise (for PA-based companies already certified through the PA UCP, MSDC, or WBENC only) at portal. state. pa. us portal server. pt community forms___publications 1532 or by contacting BMWBO.


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Can I apply for certification online?

You cannot apply for certification online - the documentation you must submit with your completed application makes this impossible - but you can download a copy of the application at portal. state. pa. us portal server. pt community forms___publications 1532.


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Is there anyone who can help me fill out the application?

BMWBO staff will happily answer any questions you have while completing the certification application. You can also attend one of the free monthly Certification Made Simple workshops. These workshops take you step-by-step through the application. Click here to find the next scheduled workshop.


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Must I complete the Specialized Application for Certification as a Minority Women Business Enterprise if I m certified through WBENC, NMSDC, or UCP?

The Specialized Application is available to Pennsylvania-based companies that hold certifications through the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program (UCP), the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council (MSDC), or the Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). This application is shorter than the general Application for Ceritification as a Minority or Women Business Enterprise. While less involved than the general application, companies holding one of the above three certification are not required to use the Specialized Application; they may certify using the general application.
The primary benifit to using the general application over the Specialized Application is the that applicant need not maintain the UCP, MSDC, or WBENC certification. Should one of these certifications lapse, the applicant s certification through the Commonwealth will continue and the applicant may recertify after two years using the general recertification affidavit. Should the UCP, MSDC, or WBENC certification lapse and the applicant applied for Commonwealth certification using the Specialized Application, the applicant may be required to submit a new Application for Certification as a Minority or Women Business Enterprise.


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How do I prove my minority status if it isn t designated on my birth certificate?

You may prove ethnicity by submitting copies of your parents and or grandparents birth certificates as long as those documents indicate their ethnicity.


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After reading through the list of documents I need to submit with my application, not all of them apply to my business: should I submit something else instead?

The certification application requests information and documentation that may not apply to all businesses. If something does not apply to your business (e. g. you do not have a fictitious name), simply mark that part N A and or offer a brief explanation why it does not apply.


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I just started my business, so I don t have two-years worth of W2s, tax statements, or 1099s. What do I do?

Newly established business will not have all of the information or documentation that the application requests. Submit as much as you can, if anything, and write a brief statement explaining why you are submitting less than two years worth of business-related tax statements, W2s, 1099s, etc.


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What does it mean when the application asks that I attached an initial form signed when the company s bank account was opened?

This is the signature card that the bank should have on file for the company s bank accounts. It shows who has authority to access and sign for your accounts. The bank should be able to supply you a copy of the signature card.


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What do you mean when you ask for three recent invoices?

You should submit along with the application copies of three recent invoices your company issues to its clients.


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Must I submit a business plan if I don t have one?

Those with companies that have been established and doing business for less than one year must submit an SBDC-reviewed two-year business plan, no exceptions. Others may submit a business plan if they feel it helps paint a more complete picture of their organization and its direction; otherwise, it is not required.


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Why do you require businesses established less than a year to submit a two-year business plan?

A business plan helps demonstrate that the new business owner has thought through his or her business and its requirements. It also encourages the entrepreneur to confront potential issues he or she may have never considered. The more prepared the entrepreneur, the more likely the business will survive.


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Will you accept a business plan that hasn t been reviewed by a Pennsylvania SBDC?

Yes, the Bureau of Minority & Women Business Opportunities will also accept 2-year business plans that have been reivewed by a Pennsylvania enterprise center authorized by the Minority Business Development Agency of the United States Department of Commerce. Please see § 58. 204 of the Statement of Policy for additional information.


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Where do I send the completed application?

Send the completed Application for Certification as a Minority or Women Business Enterprise to:
Bureau of Minority & Women Business Opportunities
North Office Building, Room 611
401 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0500


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MBE WBE Review Process FAQs

What happens after I submit my application?
How long does the certification process take?
I am bidding on a project due in a few weeks. Is there any way to speed up the certification process?
My company was denied certification. What do I do?
What happens after I submit my application?

BMWBO will assign your completed application to a reviewer. The reviewer may request additional information to fill in or clarify parts of the application. If needed, BMWBO may schedule a visit to your place of business to conduct an on-site visit.


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How long does the certification process take?

Once BMWBO receives an application, the review process generally takes 45 - 60 days. It may take longer if the reviewer must request additional information or documentation or conduct an on-site. The more complete your application, the shorter the review process.


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I am bidding on a project due in a few weeks. Is there any way to speed up the certification process?

Yes. Provide with your application a letter asking to have it expedited. BMWBO will only expedite your application if you have an RFP, project, etc. , pending. Your letter should include the RFP or project number and the due date. BMWBO must receive the application and expedite request at least three weeks before the project due date. The review process may take longer if the reviewer must request additional information or documentation or conduct an on-site.


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My company was denied certification. What do I do?

As described in § 58. 207 of the Statement of Policy, you may appeal the denial. You must submit a written appeal within 30 days from the date of the denial letter. Follow the instructions at the end of the letter. The written request for reconsideration should include all grounds for the request and be sent to:
Kenneth Rapp, Deputy Secretary for Procurement
Department of General Services
Bureau of Procurement
Forum Place
555 Walnut Street, 6th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1914


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MBE WBE Reciprocity FAQs

Do you have reciprocal certification with other entities (agencies, organizations, states, etc. )?
Is your certification good throughout the country or only in Pennsylvania?
What s the difference between PennDOT (or PA UCP) and DGS certification? Are they the same?
If am certified through the City (or County) of ____ , am I also certified through DGS?
I am bidding on a project through the City of (or County of) _____ , and it mentions MBEs and WBEs. Do they mean DGS-certified MBEs and WBEs?
Do you have reciprocal certification with other entities (agencies, organizations, states, etc. )?

The Commonwealth has partial reciprocity with the Pennsylvania United Certification Program (PA UCP), National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Pennsylvania-based companies that already have one of these certifications may complete the Specialized Application for Certification as a Minority Women Business Enterprise. To get a copy of the shortened application, visit portal. state. pa. us portal server. pt?open=512&objID=1532&mode=2 or contact BMWBO.

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Is your certification good throughout the country or only in Pennsylvania?

MBE WBE certification through the PA Department of General Services is an in-state program and has no authority or benefit outside Pennsylvania.


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What s the difference between PennDOT (or PA UCP) and DGS certification? Are they the same?

No, these are two separate and distinct certifications. The Bureau of Minority & Business Opportunities certifies Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MBEs WBEs) on behalf of all state agencies and universities. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification through the PA UCP certifies minority businesses who seek to take advantaged of federal government contracts (usually transportation related) administered by the Commonwealth.


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If am certified through the City (or County) of ____ , am I also certified through DGS?

No, city, county, state-level certifications are separate certifications.


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I am bidding on a project through the City of (or County of) _____ , and it mentions MBEs and WBEs. Do they mean DGS-certified MBEs and WBEs?

It depends on the city, county, or project. Contact the project s point of contact.


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MBE WBE Vendor ID FAQs

What is Vendor Registration?
Is registering as a vendor the same as registering to do business in Pennsylvania?
I m having problems with the online vendor registration through the PA Supplier Portal.
What is a W-9 Form and why do I need it?
What is Vendor Registration?

Registering as a vendor with the Commonwealth through the Pennsylvania Supplier Portal is required of any business that desires to pursue state contracting with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Supplier Portal enables suppliers to participate in electronic bidding opportunities with the Commonwealth. When registering, a vendor will received a 6-digit Vendor ID. To register, go to pasupplierportal. state. pa. us.


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Is registering as a vendor the same as registering to do business in Pennsylvania?

No, registering to do business with the Commonwealth, is not the same as registering to do business in the Commonwealth. The first is required only of companies wishing to pursue state contracting; the second is required of all companies wishing to do business in Pennsylvania.


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I m having problems with the online vendor registration through the PA Supplier Portal.

For assistance, contact the PA Supplier Portal Customer Service Center at (717) 346-2676 (Harrisburg area) or (877) 435-7363 (toll free) and follow the menu prompts. You may also send an email to one of the addresses below:
Supplier Registration: RA-PSC_Supplier_Requests@pa. gov
Bidding Help & eAlerts: srmhelp@pa. gov


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What is a W-9 Form and why do I need it?

A W-9 form is an IRS form used by a company to request a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and certification. The Taxpayer Idendification Number (TIN) and Legal Name provided during the registration process must match the W-9 in order to receive a contract or payment. The Payable Services Center will validate that a match exists between the registration and the W-9 form. For more information on the W-9 Form requirement for vendor registration, visit the PA Supplier Portal or contact the Supplier Service Center at (717) 346-2676 (Harrisburg), (877) 435-7363 (toll free), or RA-PSC_Supplier_Requests@pa. gov.


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MBE WBE Miscellaneous FAQs

How do I obtain a Vendor Number?
How do I make changes to my certification codes?
How do I update my phone, fax, or email with BMWBO?
How do I update my address with BMWBO?
How do I obtain a Vendor Number?

To register as a vendor with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, go to pasupplierportal. state. pa. us. If you need help with the vendor application, contact the Supplier Service Center at 717-346-2676, 1-877-435-7363, or ra-psc_supplier_requests@pa. gov.


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How do I make changes to my certification codes?

Complete and submit the Request for Commodity Code Changes form at portal. state. pa. us portal server. pt?open=512&objID=1532&mode=2. If you are requesting additional codes, you will also need to show proof that you provide the products or services the codes represent. Such proof could include copies of the owners resumes, invoices, catalogs, contracts, advertisements, letters from customers, etc.


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How do I update my phone, fax, or email with BMWBO?

Forward the new information to the Bureau of Minority & Women Business Opportunities at gs-bmwbo@pa. gov or (717) 787-7052 (fax). You can also mail it to:
Bureau of Minority & Women Business Opportunities
North Office Building, Room 611
401 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0500


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How do I update my address with BMWBO?

If the address change involves the mailing address only (i. e. the physical address has not changed), forward the new address to BMWBO at gs-bmwbo@pa. gov or (717) 787-7052 (fax) or mail it to:
Bureau of Minority & Women Business Opportunities
North Office Building, Room 611
401 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0500
If the address is a physical change of address (i. e. you have changed locations), you will need to mail the new address to BMWBO along with a copy of the new mortgage, lease, or deed.
Contact the Certification Division at (717) 783-2046 with any questions.


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MBE/WBE Certification Application

MBE/WBE Certification Application


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