TWC Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program

TWC Purchasing Mission

The Texas Workforce Commission seeks to purchase goods and services from Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) whenever possible. We primarily obtain vendors from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) Texas Procurement and Support Services (TPASS) department Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL).

See CPA's site for how to get on the CMBL and requirements to become HUB certified. Downloadable application forms are available at the CPA web site or call (512) 463-5872, TWC staff can assist you with certification efforts.

HUB Definition and Goals

A HUB is defined as a profit-making corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, or joint venture in which at least 51 percent of the shares or stock or other equitable securities are owned by one or more persons who are members of the following groups:

• Black American - includes all persons having origins of Black racial groups of Africa;
• Hispanic American - includes all persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish/Portuguese culture or origin, regardless of race;
• Asian Pacific American - 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 whose origins are from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, or Nepal;
• Native American - includes persons who are American Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts, or Native Hawaiians; and
• Women - includes women of any ethnicity, except those specified above.

The 51% owner must also be a Texas resident. The Texas Legislature requires state agencies to make a good faith effort to give HUBs part of the total contract value of all contracts. During the fiscal year, state agencies are expected to meet the following percentages (only contract types primarily used at TWC are listed) :

• 57.2% for all special trade construction contracts;
• 20% for professional services contracts;
• 33% for all other services contracts; and
• 12.6% for commodities contracts.

TWC's Program

TWC's rules are in compliance with all applicable rules adopted in February and April 2000 with respect to 40 TAC Section 800.3 determined to meet the requirements of 1 TAC Section 111.15(b).

TWC's Historically Underutilized Business program seeks to provide quality service and results to agency users while meeting legislative HUB contract goals. TWC is committed to promoting equal opportunities in the procurement process. TWC's HUB program assists customers with:

• Information about HUB opportunities
• Sponsoring and participating in forums, seminars and conferences
• Access to bid information
• Reliable and friendly service from HUB program experts
• Information about TBPC certification.

Economic opportunity forums provide HUB participants a chance to network with representatives of TWC and other government entities to obtain information about available and upcoming bid opportunities. The forums identify, educate and assist to certify HUB businesses selling goods and services that TWC frequently purchases. These forums offer minority and women-owned small businesses an inside perspective to the procurement and bid process, and information for preparing and submitting bids.

• TWC Purchasing and HUB Program Rules and Legislation
• Frequently Asked Questions about the HUB Program
• Telephone the TWC HUB coordinator at (512) 463-2483 or e-mail your HUB-related questions to HUBinfo@twc.state.tx.us
• CPA HUB Reports

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