This page last updated July 7, 2008

HOW TO START?

TEA does not maintain its own bidders list. You must be registered on the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) which is used to solicit all bid opportunities. The CMBL is a mailing list for vendors to receive bids based on the products or services which can be provided to the State of Texas. This includes: manufacturers, suppliers and other vendors wishing to furnish materials, equipment, supplies and services, construction to the state. Registration on the CMBL is an effective tool for businesses to use to market their products and services to state agencies and local governments. Please access http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/cmbl/cmblhub.html for information regarding the Centralized Master Bidders List. Registration is online or you may print an application and submit with the $70.00 annual registration fee.

The State of Texas also maintains the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program and directory for minority and women-owned businesses. The goal of the HUB Program is to ensure all HUB vendors are eligible for certification with the State and list them in the HUB Directory to ensure they have maximum opportunities to participate in the State's procurement in the awarding of contracts and subcontracts. The goal of this program is to promote full and equal business opportunity for all businesses in state contracting. HUB certification increases exposure to all bid opportunities. There is no fee to become HUB certified. HUB Certification requirements – the business must be a for profit corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, or joint venture in which at least 51% of the business is owned, operated, actively controlled and managed by a minority or woman. Forms may be accessed at http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/hub/hub-certification/

All state agency solicitations exceeding $25,000.00 are electronically posted to the Texas Marketplace. Vendors who are not registered on the CMBL may view bid opportunities on the web site. To view current bid opportunities access http://esbd.cpa.state.tx.us/

HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN
Instructions | Prime Contractor Progress Assessment Report | Subcontracting Opportunties

In accordance with Texas Government Code (TGC) §2161.252 each state agency (including institutions of higher education) as defined by TGC §2151.002 must determine if subcontracting opportunities are probable in connection for all agency solicitations. This includes bids, proposals, offers, or other applicable expressions of interest, determine whether subcontracting opportunities are probable under the contract. If subcontracting opportunities are probable, each state agency’s invitation for bids or other purchase solicitation documents for construction, professional services, other services, and commodities with an expected value of $100,000 or more shall state that probability and require a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP).

MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM

The State of Texas Mentor Protégé Program is designed to foster long-term relationships between prime vendors and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). The objective of the Mentor Protégé Program is to provide professional guidance and support to the protégé/HUB in order to facilitate their growth and development and increase HUB contracts and subcontracts with the State of Texas.

The development of a potential relationship, the Mentor-Protégé Program is neither a guarantee for a contract opportunity nor a promise of business. The Mentor-Protégé Program is an ongoing initiative of TEA and applications will be considered on a regular basis. For questions regarding the Program’s requirements, please contact the TEA HUB Staff. If you are interested in participating in the Mentor-Protégé Program, please complete one of the following forms:

• Mentor Application
• Protégé Application

Protégés must be certified HUBs.

WHAT ARE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FORUMS?

State agencies are required to design a program of forums in which historically underutilized businesses are invited by state agencies to deliver technical and business presentations that demonstrate their capability to do business with the agency. The Economic Opportunity Forums (EOF) are held across the state and provide opportunities for business owners to network and meet key state agency purchasers and HUB Coordinators and obtain information regarding procurement opportunities. More information is available on Comptroller website at: http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/hub/

STATE OF TEXAS HUB REPORTS

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts - Texas Procurement and Support Services (TPASS) division oversees the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program. State agencies and institutions of higher education must report expenditures semi-annually (September 1 - February 28) and annually (September 1 - August 31). By using the HUB Report, agencies can and utilize it as a bench marking tool to meet or exceed their HUB utilization in each procurement category. The report may be accessed at http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/hub/hub-reporting/

STATE OF TEXAS HUB COORDINATORS

State agencies with biennial budgets that exceed $10 million are required to designate a staff member to serve as the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Coordinator for the agency during the fiscal year. The Coordinator is the liaison between the agency and the vendor community. A list of all state agency coordinators may be found at: http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/hub/contactlist/