Program Overview
The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program at the University of Texas Medial Branch was established to identify Historically Underutilized Businesses and encourage them to participate in the competitive bid process with the objective of increasing
the number of contracts awarded to HUB suppliers.
Objectives
UTMB’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program objectives are:
- Identify American minority and women-owned businesses
- Encourage participation in the competitive bid process
- Provide Training
- Make an impact on the economy
Eligibility
In accordance with Texas Administrative Code §20.281, each state agency shall make a good faith effort to utilize HUBs in contracts for construction, services (including professional and consulting services) and commodities purchases. In order to
be considered a HUB supplier in the State of Texas: A "Historically Underutilized Business" is an entity with its principal place of business in Texas, and is at least 51% owned by an Asian Pacific American, Black American, Hispanic American, Native
American and/or American woman who reside in Texas and have a proportionate interest and demonstrate active participation in the control, operations and management of the entity's affairs.
Certification Process
Vendors seeking certification as a HUB are required to submit a completed HUB certification application and supporting documentation, affirming under penalty of perjury that their business qualifies as a HUB. Applications may be obtained by going
to the Texas Procurement and Support Services Website at https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/certification-process.php
Benefits of Certification
HUB certification is free of charge and is valid for a period of 4 years, provided that business continues to meet the eligibility requirements.
- State agencies are required to make a good faith effort to include only state certified HUB vendors in their procurement process
- Only certified HUBs are listed in the online Texas HUB Directory
- State agencies are required to report dollars spent and contracts signed with State of Texas HUB certified vendors. One contracts totaling more than $100,000, the prime contractors are required to make a good-faith effort in soliciting State of Texas
certified HUB subcontractors.
HUB Subcontracting
To expand opportunities for HUBs the State enacted Chapter 2161.252, Subchapter F of the Texas Government Code which states that each state agency that considers entering into a contract with an expected value of $100,000 or more shall determine whether
subcontracting opportunities are probable under the contract and if opportunities exist, prime contractors are required to extend the good faith effort in selection and award of subcontractors. UTMB’s purchasing professionals and HUB Coordinator
determine the probability for HUB subcontracting opportunities. Once a solicitation has been reviewed and determined to have subcontracting potential, vendors, both HUB and non-HUBs, must submit a compliant HUB Subcontracting Plan with their bid,
proposal, offer, or expression of interest by a specified deadline. UTMB’s goal is to ensure prime contractors are successful in the submission of their HSP. Should a contractor need HUB Subcontracting training, please contact the agency HUB
Coordinator.
Mentor-Protégé Program
The purpose of the Mentor-Protégé Program is to foster long-term relationships between experienced contractors and state-certified HUB firms and to increase the ability of state-certified HUBs to obtain and perform contracts and subcontracts for state agency business. Each state agency with a biennial appropriation that exceeds $10 million shall implement the Mentor-Protégé Program.
UTMB will engage the various business councils and trade development centers to develop courses that will assist minority, women, and service-disabled veteran-owned firms to provide professional guidance and support to facilitate their growth and development and increase the use of HUBs in contracts and subcontracts. Participation by the HUB firm(s) neither guarantees a contract opportunity nor a promise to do business with the firm(s). All participation in the program is voluntary and program features will remain flexible to maximize participation.