Glossary

The CMBL is used by state purchasing entities to develop a mailing list for vendors to receive bid opportunities based on class and items selected for the products or services which can be provided to districts specified for the State of Texas.

Learn more about the CMBL on the Texas Comptroller's site.

The purpose of cooperative purchasing groups is to become more efficient in the bidding process, comply with State bidding requirements, and identify qualified vendors of commodities, goods, and services.

All State contracts have been competitively bid or are considered set-asides and therefore, do not require any additional procurement steps on behalf of the University.

Most state agencies and universities prefer to buy from cooperatives, and HUBs are encouraged to leverage cooperatives for visibility.

See our Cooperatives page to learn more.

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts is the governing body over the HUB program.

The ESBD is an online search engine that lists all state contracts over $25,000.

Search for bid opportunities through the TX Smart Buy website.

A Good Faith Effort (GFE) consists of the following:

• You must divide the contract work into reasonable lots or portions, consistent with prudent industry practices.
• Bidders must notify HUBs of subcontracting opportunities in writing, and provide the following info:
  
  • [Scope of work (SOW)](https://www.notion.so/SOW-Scope-of-Work-98d37c7ba70a4fed80e60232b587e9cf?pvs=21)
  • Specifications
  • Contact email w/ name
• You must search for HUBs using the CMBL, HUB Directory, and/or other directories listed by agency.
• You must provide notice to 3+ HUBs per subcontracting opportunity, and must keep written documentation, email is sufficient.
• You must give subcontractors 10 working days to respond to your request.
• You must provide written justification of the selection process, especially if a non-HUB subcontractor is selected.
• You must encourage selected non-certified HUB subcontractors to apply for HUB certification.

An HSP is required anytime a contract is $100K or more, and anytime an agency requires it in their formal solicitation.

Learn more on our HSP page.

The Statewide Procurement Division Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program administers the HUB program in accordance with Texas Government Code Section 2161 and Texas Administrative Code, Title 34, Chapter 20, Subchapter D, Division 1, Sections 20.281 to 20.298.

To qualify as a HUB, a business must be:

• a for-profit entity
• in Texas
• a small business
• at least 51% owned by a Black American, Hispanic American, woman, Asian Pacific American, Native American, or Disabled Veteran

Learn more on our HUB page.

TWU’s Mentor-Protégé Program is designed under the authority of Section 2161.065 of the Texas Government Code to facilitate mentor-protégé relationships between prime contractors and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). 

The goal is to build and strengthen the capacity of HUBs to successfully compete for state contracts.

The objective of the program is to provide professional guidance and support to the protégé (HUB) to facilitate their growth and development and increase HUB contracts and subcontracts with TWU and other state agencies in Texas.

Participation in the TWU program:

• requires the protégé be State of Texas HUB certified
• is voluntary for both mentor and protégé

Learn more about the Statewide Mentor Protégé Program
Mentor Protégé Application [doc]
See all current Mentor Protégé Program Agreements

There are two paths to get Statewide HUB Certified, one is through the Comptroller of Public Accounts Statewide HUB program and the other is through one of their 12 partner certification organizations (MOAs). Both options will provide HUB certification at no cost.

Please check the Comptroller's website for the most accurate and up-to-date contact info.

The NIGP is a numbering system used for coding products/services in the CMBL. 

NIGP codes are 5 digits long, consisting of a 3 digit class code, followed by a dash, and then a 2 digit item code, like so: 

005-05

The item code "00" is a placeholder for the entire class, and not an actual item code.

Commodities will have class codes below 900, while services will be above 900.

Search the NIGP Commodity Book here.

The PAR is the monthly report suppliers submit identifying all subcontractor payments. It is required in order for suppliers to get paid.

The Vendor Performance Tracking System (VPTS) provides the state procurement community with a comprehensive tool for evaluating vendor performance to reduce risk in the contract award process. 

The VPTS tracks exceptional, satisfactory and unsatisfactory vendor performance.