Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program

TWDB HUB Mission

To provide quality service, effective strategies, and quantitative results to agency divisions and other program users in making a good faith effort to meet or exceed the state goals in Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) contract spending for the purchase of supplies, materials, services and equipment.

Definition

A "Historically Underutilized Business"...

  • is a for-profit entity that has not exceeded the size standards prescribed by 34 TAC §20.23, and has its principal place of business in Texas, and
  • is at least 51% owned by an Asian Pacific American, Black American, Hispanic American, Native American, American woman and/or Service Disabled Veteran, who reside in Texas and actively participate in the control, operations and management of the entity's affairs.

TWDB HUB Program

  • The TWDB's HUB program has been in existence since 1998 and is administered by the Contract Administration Division in the Office of Operations and Administration. The agency has designated HUB coordinators who are responsible for HUB program administration, staff training and education, program marketing, and data analysis and reporting.
  • The TWDB's HUB program promotes procurement opportunities for both HUB and non-HUB vendors and firms. To assist in these efforts, the Texas Procurement and Support Services (TPASS) maintain the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL), which is a complete listing of all vendors and firms (both HUB and non-HUB) certified to do business with the State of Texas. TPASS requires state agencies to use the CMBL for all bidding opportunities.

In accordance with Texas Government Code, Title 10, Chapter §2161, the TWDB seeks to:

  • Assist businesses in obtaining state HUB certification.
  • Educate HUB vendors about the agency's procurement policies and procedures.
  • Increase the number of HUB vendors contacted for procurement opportunities.
  • Encourage HUB vendors to participate in the agency's purchasing process.
  • Inform HUB vendors about OAG procurement opportunities.

Ensure that prime contractors provide subcontracting opportunities for HUB vendors.

TWDB HUB Goals

In accordance with Texas Administrative Code §111.13, each state agency shall make a good faith effort to utilize HUBs in contracts for construction, services (including professional and consulting services) and commodity purchases. In addition, HUB utilization goals have been established for each procurement category (shown below). Each agency must put forth effort to obtain these goals and to award a percentage of its contracts to HUB firms.

Below are the established goals for each category:

  • 11.2% for Heavy Construction
  • 21.1% for Building Construction
  • 32.9% for Special Trades
  • 23.7% for Professional Services
  • 26.0% for all Other Services
  • 21.1% for Commodity purchases

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) ensures HUB firms and vendors have the opportunity to participate in the agency's procurement process. The TWDB has adopted the Texas Procurement and Support Services (TPASS) HUB rules, developed a working HUB program and complies with the TPASS Procurement Manual rules to ensure HUB firms and vendors are participating in the procurement process and to ensure all purchasing rules and procedures are being followed. Through these efforts the TWDB is making strides to meet and exceed the HUB participation goals that have been established for each procurement category.

Which agency is responsible for HUB certification?

The Comptroller's Texas Procurement and Support Services (TPASS) program is required by law to maintain a statewide Centralized Master Bidders List/HUB directory. The application process to become a HUB business takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the completed application is received by TPASS. TPASS HUB staff may be reached by calling 512.463.5872 in Texas or call toll free 888.863.5881. TPASS contact information can also be found at Texas Procurement and Support Services Staff Directory.

How does a vendor initiate the HUB certification process and for what length of time is the certification valid?

In order to determine whether a vendor qualifies as a HUB, a vendor must complete a Historically Underutilized Business Certification Application. The HUB application can be viewed and downloaded from the Texas Procurement and Support Services (TPASS) HUB Forms Library. At this time, the form must be notarized and returned to TPASS in paper form.

HUB certification is FREE of charge and valid for up to 4 years if all eligibility requirements are met and maintained.

TWDB Procurement Opportunities

The TWDB acquires numerous goods and services from vendors on the CMBL. Below is a list of items that are most commonly acquired from CMBL vendors:

  • Office Supplies
  • Office Equipment
  • Field Equipment
  • Office Furnishings
  • Consulting Services
  • Bond Underwriters and Bond Counsel Services

To inquire about bid opportunities for the above items, please contact the TWDB Purchasing section or one of the Agency HUB Coordinators at the contact information listed below. TWDB also posts all bid opportunities, which are expected to exceed $25,000, on the Electronic Business Daily. To locate bids posted by the TWDB, visit the Electronic State Business Daily.

TWDB HUB Contact Information

For more information about the TWDB HUB Program and procurement opportunities, please send an email to Purchasing Department or call (512) 936-6090.

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