Insights into M/W/DBE Certifications

by Julie Savitt, AMS Earth Movers, Inc. 

In our last month's newsletter we provided an overview of the various types of certifications available to businesses at both local and state levels.  The next step in gaining certifications is completing the application process.  Although the application process may be challenging and sometimes tedious, I can personally say that having these certifications will help you market your company and gain new business opportunities.  It is definitely worth the effort!

Below are simple, step-by-step instructions on how to complete the various applications.  While each individual application may have minor differences, the steps below are essentially the same for all.

Steps to Completing a Certification Application:

1. Visit the agency's website and search for the "Certification"
2. Download eligibility requirements and verify your eligibility before proceeding.
      

Eligibility Standards

• Ownership - A minimum of 51% ownership by one or more socially-and economically-disadvantaged individual(s).
• Minority Status - Certain groups are presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged.
• Control - The minority applicant(s) must have technical expertise and experience relating to specific products and/or services provided by the firm as well as the authority to make day-to-day and long-term business  decisions for the firm.
• Personal Net Worth - Applicants must fall below the personal net worth cap established for the state and federal programs.
• Size - The applicant firm must meet the small business size standards established by the U.S. Small Business Administration.  Size standards are measured by average annual gross receipts (ranging from $750,000 to $35,500,000 depending on the industry) or average number of employees (ranging from 500 to 1,000 depending on the industry).

3. Download the list of necessary document that need to be submitted
4. Download the complete application 
5. Gather all necessary documentation 
6. Complete application (we recommend filling out by hand first, and then transfer to official copy)
7. Contact one of the many procurement technical assistance centers. These agencies can also help you determine the most applicable certification for your business, the order to apply for them, review your paperwork and help organize your application for submission.

Recommended Resources:

The Women's Business Development Center (WBDC) is the oldest, largest and most comprehensive women's business assistance center in the United States.  Celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2011, we've assisted more than 65,000 women in the greater Chicago area.  WBDC programs and services include entrepreneurial training workshops and seminars, personalized business and finance counseling, Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) certification, business opportunities and procurement program, Spanish-language counseling and training, child care business program and advocacy on behalf of women and minority business owners in the public and private sectors.  For more information on the WBDC, please visit

www.WBDC.org 
 

The Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) program is a grant funded program that provides a broad array of technical assistance, resources and support to Illinois based businesses currently conducting business in the public sector or that are interested in learning about how to do business in this sector. There are ten centers throughout the state with staff who can answer questions and provide guidance about - registrations, certifications and responding to requests for proposals and/or quotations. Technical assistance is principally provided based upon a company's specific questions. Training classes and seminars are available as is information about outreach events. 
 

Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) is a 32 year old advocacy organization for all minority contractors in the construction industry. As such, we highly encourage all qualified contractors to seek out any and all minority certifications that will help them better position themselves for contracting opportunities within the public, and sometimes private, sector. Although certifications do not guarantee you a contract, they place you in a much smaller pool of contractors from which a prime must select in order to meet a minority participation goal. This is why HACIA, not only, encourages contractors to obtain these certifications but also provides the much needed assistance to navigate this sometimes overwhelming process. (Feel free to include this last sentence at your discretion). For questions or additional information on certification you may contact us at 312-666-5910 or please visit

www.haciaworks.org   

AMS founder, Julie Savitt (left) built the kind of company that would make her grandfather (right) proud - one that values customers service, honesty, and a fair price. 

About Us:

AMS, a WBE/DBE/SBE/WOSB certified company, operates throughout the Chicagoland area, specializing in the haul-in and haul-off of aggregate, brick, broken concrete, asphalt, non hazardous contaminated waste, topsoil, rock salt, as well as live botanicals, concrete barriers and heavy equipment. 

AMS is also proud to have earned a "Green Business" certification from the Green Business League and continually promotes sustainable business practices both internally and with their external clients.

 

"With a diverse fleet of trucks, an experienced team of drivers, and 24/7 availability, we can handle any job large or small." 

 

AMS Earth Movers, Inc.

11 N. Skokie Hwy, Suite 111

Lake Bluff, Illinois 60044