Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program

The goal of the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program is to encourage and effectively promote the use of minority and woman-owned businesses in the Department's procurement activities. The DARS HUB Program Office seeks to:

  • Ensure the Department complies with state law and administrative rules governing the HUB program;
  • Assist minority and woman-owned businesses in becoming certified as HUBs;
  • Share information regarding the Department's procurement policies and procedures;
  • Promote the use of HUBs in DARS day-to-day procurement opportunities;
  • Facilitate meetings between HUBs and appropriate DARS program, procurement and HUB staff;
  • Assist in fostering relationships between prime contractors and HUBs through the DARS Mentor Protégé Program; and
  • Ensure that DARS prime contractors make a good faith effort to provide subcontracting opportunities to HUBs.

What is a HUB?

A HUB is defined as a business formed for the purpose of making a profit in which at least 51 percent of the business is owned, operated, and controlled by one or more:

  • Black Americans - includes all persons having origins of Black racial groups of Africa;
  • Hispanic Americans - includes all person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South America, or other Spanish/Portuguese culture or origin, regardless of race;
  • Asian Pacific Americans - includes persons whose origins are from Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Territories of the Pacific, or the Northern Marianas; and Subcontinent Asian Americans which includes persons who origins are from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, or Nepal;
  • Native Americans - includes persons who are American Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts, or Native Hawaiians; and
  • American Women - includes women of any ethnicity, except those specified above;

who are economically disadvantaged and who have been historically underutilized because of their identification as members of these groups. Eligible entities must have their principal place of business and permanent business office located in Texas where the majority HUB owner(s) makes the decisions, controls the daily operations of the organization, and participates in the business. The qualifying owners must be residents of the State of Texas.

HUB Participation Goals

The Texas Legislature requires all state agencies to make a good faith effort to assure that HUBs receive a portion of its contract dollars. During the state fiscal year, which starts on September 1st and ends on August 31st, DARS is expected to strive to meet the following HUB goals:

  • 11.9% -- Construction
  • 26.1% -- Building Construction
  • 57.2% -- Special Trades
  • 20% -- Professional Services
  • 33% -- Other Services
  • 12.6% -- Commodities

In pursuit of these goals, DARS is committed to increasing opportunities for HUBs. Qualifying minority and women owned businesses are strongly encouraged to apply to be certified as a HUB through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA).

HUB Certification

A business owner must complete a HUB Certification Application and submit it to the CPA to become a certified HUB vendor with the State of Texas. HUB certification remains effective for four years and is free of charge. Certified HUBs are included in the HUB directory that is maintained by the CPA which is accessed daily by state agencies searching for certified HUBs. Certification does not guarantee the award of contracts to HUB businesses, but it does increase their visibility within the state contract/procurement process.

For more information regarding the HUB program and certification, go to http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/hub/ or contact CPA by phone at (512) 463-5872 or toll free at (888) 863-5881.

Mentor Protégé Program

DARS has established a Mentor Protégé Program to assist in fostering long-term relationships between prime contractors and HUBs. We also hope to increase the ability of HUBs to contract with the state or to receive subcontracts under a state contract, and to provide professional guidance and support to protégé businesses to facilitate their development and growth. The program was developed in accordance with Texas Government Code §2161.065 and Texas Administrative Code, Title 34, Part 1, Chapter 20, §20.28.

The DARS Mentor Protégé Program Information Packet provides more information about the program. If you decide that you are interested in participating in this program as either a Mentor or a Protégé, please contact the DARS HUB Coordinator to request an application.

Please note that in the development of a potential relationship, participation in the DARS Mentor Protégé Program is neither a guarantee for a contract opportunity nor a promise of business. The Mentor Protégé Program is an ongoing initiate of DARS and applications will be considered on a regular basis.

DARS HUB Program Contact

For more information regarding the DARS HUB Program, call or write:
Debra L. Pendley, HUB Coordinator
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
4900 North Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78751-2399
Phone: (512) 424-4441
Fax: (512) 424-4500
E-mail: debra.pendley@dars.state.tx.us