HUB - Historically Underutilized Businesses

HUB
Bid Opportunities
Reports
HUB Subcontracting Plans (HSP)
Outreach
Mentor Protégé Program
Additional Online Resources

HUB Program Introduction

The State of Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program is designed to encourage the participation of minority-owned, women-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned companies in state contracting opportunities. The Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) of the Comptroller of Public Accounts administers the statewide HUB program. SPD is responsible for certifying eligible businesses, issuing statewide HUB reports, and conducting disparity studies to establish HUB goals for the State of Texas. The current statewide HUB goals are:

Heavy construction other than building contracts – 11.2%
Building construction, including general contractors and operative builders contracts – 21.1%
Special trade construction contracts – 32.9%
Professional services contracts – 23.7%
All other services contracts – 26.0%
Commodities contracts – 21.1%

The Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) is committed to making a good faith effort to include HUB vendors in its procurement processes, and seeks to meet or exceed the statewide HUB goals. The TLC has adopted and implemented the State of Texas HUB rules, as required by law.

To view the HUB rules, click here.

Each state agency with a biennial budget of $10 million or more must designate a staff member to serve as its HUB Coordinator. For more information about the TLC’s HUB Program, please contact our HUB Coordinator at: (512) 344-5241 or eric.williams@lottery.state.tx.us

HUB Certification

The Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) of the Comptroller of Public Accounts is responsible for issuing HUB certification. The certification process ensures that companies meet eligibility requirements and provides a mechanism for tracking statewide HUB expenditures.

To obtain HUB certification, a company must be a for-profit entity that is at least 51% owned and operated by a minority, woman, or service-disabled veteran. The company’s principal place of business must be located in the state of Texas. Additional information on eligibility is available on the Comptroller's website. To apply for HUB certification, go to:

https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/registration/

Bid Opportunities

State agencies are required by law to post all bid opportunities estimated to exceed $25,000 on the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) website. Posted bid opportunities may be searched by agency, class/item code, or key word. Bid award information is also posted on the site. To access the ESBD, go to: http://www.txsmartbuy.com/sp/

The TLC also posts Request for Proposals and Invitation for Bids here.

To inquire about bid opportunities under $25,000, please contact Purchasing by calling 512-344-5000.

Reports

The Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) of the Comptroller of Public Accounts issues a statewide HUB report twice annually. The report tracks state agency expenditures with certified HUBs in six procurement categories. To view statewide HUB reports, go to: https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/reporting.php

The Texas Lottery Commission also compiles an annual minority business participation report. Reports for several fiscal years can be viewed here.

HUB Subcontracting Plans (HSP)

State agencies are required to analyze each contract opportunity with an estimated value of $100,000 or more and make a determination as to whether HUB subcontracting opportunities are probable. If the agency makes a positive determination, a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) must be included in the solicitation document, and a completed plan must be submitted as part of each respondent’s bid or proposal.

To view the HSP forms go to: https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/forms.php

Outreach

Agency HUB Coordinators participate in a wide variety of outreach activities which focus on small, minority and women-owned businesses. To view a calendar of Economic Opportunity Forums and other events, go to: http://www.txsmartbuy.com/eof/index.html

The TLC also sponsors its own annual HUB forum to highlight its specific procurement needs and processes. The forum is designed to provide HUBs with opportunities to network with key TLC staff and prime vendor representatives.

Mentor Protégé Program

Each state agency with a biennial budget of $10 million or more is required to participate in the State’s Mentor Protégé Program. The purpose of the program is to match HUBs with mentor companies who can provide developmental assistance in specific areas.

The Mentor Protégé Program is designed to: