HUB Certification

Benefits 

• The application process is free, and certification is good for 4 years.
• Businesses can recertify up to 4 months prior to expiration.
• Only certified HUBs are listed in the online Texas HUB Directory. State agencies use the HUB Directory along with the Comptroller's Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) to solicit bids from certified HUBs for state purchasing and public works contracts. Prime contractors also use the directory to identify HUBs to whom they will send notification of their subcontracting opportunities.
• The Texas HUB Directory is also searched by vendors looking for certified HUBs to include in their subcontracting plans for projects of $100,000 or more.
• Increased exposure to the general public and other entities that have a supplier diversity program and are searching for minority-owned, woman-owned and service disabled veteran-owned businesses.

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To qualify:

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Application Process

Before you apply for HUB Certification, we suggest you:

1. Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS if you don’t already have one. EINs make it easier for you to hire employees, establish business credit, and file tax returns. Plus, you can detach your SSN from your business's credit profile and generally just keep your personal SSN private from your clients.
2. Refer to this pdf walkthrough from the Comptroller [PDF] as you’re doing your certification. It has helpful advice on how to fill out each section, attach files, and overall ensures you submit a complete and accurate application. 
3. Download the appropriate HUB Certification Checklist for your business structure. This tells you what documents you’ll need to provide during the application process.

Start the Application Process

Once you’re ready, you can start the application process over on the Texas Statewide HUB System website.

Please Note:

Start the process as early as possible

It can take up to 5 months (or possibly longer) to receive your HUB certification.

• There can be a wait time of about 2 months before your application is assigned to a Certification Analyst, and then it may take another 3 months to be approved (depending on the accuracy of your application).

How can you speed up the process?

• Provide accurate documentation in your application.
• Respond quickly to any inquiries from the Analyst.
• Make sure you select the correct business type (this is a common mistake).
• Make sure you use up-to-date information (application section 2).
• Take your time and make sure you use accurate and specific NIGP codes (application section 2) that describe goods and services you know you can provide. Using broad NIGP codes that end in “00” will not notify you of bid solicitations. Be specific.

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Applying for the CMBL

Before you apply:

Make sure you can answer yes to these questions:

• Are you in good standing with the state?
• If applicable, is your franchise tax account status “ACTIVE”?
• Have you reviewed the franchise tax FAQs, the list of taxable entities and the Texas franchise tax forms?
• Have you confirmed whether your business entity is subject to the franchise tax?

Be sure you have the following information readily available to enter as part of the registration process:

1. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS is REQUIRED for registration.
   
   1. To obtain an EIN number, follow the steps provided here or contact by phone at 800-829-4933. Foreign address vendors (addresses outside the continental USA including the states of Alaska and Hawaii) should contact IRS at 215-516-6999. The Comptroller's office takes a proactive approach in the prevention of identity theft and does not accept social security numbers for registration.
      
2. Your company business structure.
   
3. The list of purchasing class and item codes closest to the actual product or service which can be provided.
   
4. The relevant Texas highway district(s) where your products or services are available/deliverable.
   

Step 1 - Create User Profile

To register for the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) to be a state vendor, you need to set up your eSystems user account.

1. Create Profile
   
   1. Go to the Login screen and click “Create Password”.
   2. Set up your own unique user ID, email address, name, telephone number and password.
   3. Please keep your information current - this helps the Comptroller’s office provide you with the best customer service.
2. Select security questions and answers (required for "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password.")
3. Accept the Terms of Use
4. Complete the email verification process

Step 2 - Establish your State Vendor Account & Apply for CMBL

• On the eSystems Menu, select the “Apply for CMBL” and continue following the prompts as instructed through the registration process.
• After you have completed the registration process, you will have the option of submitting the registration fee online with a credit/debit card or check/debit (U.S. addresses only), or mailing the payment in for processing.

Note: There is an annual registration fee of $70.00 to be registered on the CMBL.

Page last updated 11:56 AM, May 31, 2024