"We assist our clients open doors of opportunity!"
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Federal Certification Programs:
WOSB & EDWOSB Federal Contracting Program On February 4, 2011 the SBA released the long awaited Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)/Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Federal Contracting Program. The WOSB/EDWOSB Program is a set-aside federal contracting program that allows WOSB's and EDWOSB's to compete on a level playing field for Federal Contracting Opportunities. By mandate, the Federal government must award 5% of its prime and subcontract dollars to women-owned small businesses. In these set-aside categories WOSB's/EDWOSB's would be competing for contracting opportunities (bidding) amongst other WOSB's/EDWOSB's only. Anyone not certified in these two categories would not have the opportunity to bid on these Federal Contracts. In these two categories you would be able to bid on contracts up to $5 Million in the case of manufacturing contracts and $3 Million in the case of service (all other) contracts. There is no term limit on program participation as long as you are eligible for the program and have met all of the requirements for certification. As this is a newer program, now is the time to get in on the ground floor so that you will be prepared when the first contracts are released. WOSB Federal Contract Program Compliance Guide |
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Federal 8(a) Certification On March 14, 2011 new 8(a) Business Development Regulations became effective. The revisions are the first major overhaul of the 8(a) program in more than 10 years. The 8(a) Certification Program is a set-aside federal contracting program that allows socially and economically disadvantaged business to compete on a more level playing field with larger companies. Some of the most noticeable changes in the 8(a) Business Development Regulations are as follows: Adjusted Net Worth limits raised from $200,000 to $250,000 (excluding equity in primary residence and equity in business); Personal Income limits raised from $200,000 to $250,000; Total Assets must not exceed $4 Million (including equity in primary residence and equity in business); IRA Accounts are now excluded from Net Worth and Total Assets determination. 8(a) BD Program Compliance Guide |
AE Assistance Group, Inc. A helping hand!
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Federal HUBZone Certification
The HUBZone certification program provides federal contracting opportunities for small businesses located in HUBZone's and promotes economic development and employment growth in distressed areas. Are you a small business? Determining Business Size Is your business owned and controlled at least 51% by U.S. citizens? Is your principal office located in a HUBZone? HUBZone Map Do at least 35% of your employees reside in a HUBZone? They need not reside in the same HUBZone your office is located in. Changes to the HUBZone Regulations on May 3, 2010 now allow small businesses to use full-time, part-time, temporary, and leased employees to qualify them as long as these individuals work a minimum of 40 hours per month. Call us for a free consultation and verify your eligibility to participate in any of the Federal Certification Programs referenced above. |
AE Assistance Group, Inc. can lighten your load!
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State Certifications
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State Certification Programs:
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) On February 28, 2011 the DOT released its final ruling and adjusted the Personal Net Worth (PNW) of the DBE Program from $750,000 to $1.32 Million making it the first adjustment since 1989. The final ruling will also hold states and local agencies more accountable for including disadvantaged businesses in their transportation plans. Other provisions in this rule making will also add provisions to ensure that prime contractors fulfill commitments to use DBE subcontractors. State and local agencies will be required to monitor each contract to make sure prime contractors are fulfilling their obligations and do not dismiss DBE subcontractors without good cause. Another major change under the rule making will reduce burdens on small businesses seeking DBE certification in more than one state. As a result, all states will be required to accept DBE certifications obtained in other states, unless the state finds good cause not to accept it. The rule establishes a process for resolving issues with respect to eligibility raised by states concerning out-of-state firms. The DOT DBE Certification Program is aimed at helping economically and socially disadvantaged businesses take advantage of opportunities to participate in federally funded highway, transit and airport projects. The Department has established a race neutral goal of 8.18% for the utilization of DBE's on all contracts. FDOT Specialty Code Sheet |
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Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE)
MWBE certification is Florida's premier stamp of approval for minority, women and service-disabled veterans business enterprises. It is widely accepted across the State of Florida in the private sector as well as cities, counties, school districts, hospitals, water management districts and other quasi governmental entities. Minimum eligibility requirements for certification include:
Call us for a free consultation and verify your eligibility to participate in any of the State Certification Programs referenced above. |
Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE)
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Local Certification Programs:
CSBE, CBE and SBE Miami-Dade*, Broward* and Palm Beach County* all have vendor registrations and certifications set up to increase the participation of small businesses in County contracts. These business opportunities aid these firms in their growth and contribution to South Florida's economic growth. County School Board Vendor Registrations and MWBE Certifications Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County* School Boards all have vendor registrations and MWBE certifications which have been implemented to ensure fair and equitable opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses, as they pursue School Board contracts. Most School Boards also have "Contractor Pre-Qualification" Applications. Other Miscellaneous Vendor Registrations and Certifications Did you know that Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County* have more than 45 different Municipality Vendor Registrations between them? Did you know that there are more than 25 Universities and Community Colleges in the State of Florida who offer Vendor Registrations and/or MWBE Certifications? We knew this and we can assist your company with registration. SFWMD Vendor Application and SBE Certification Of the five regional water management districts in the State of Florida, the South Florida Water Management District* is the largest. They protect the water resources in 16 counties extending from Orlando in central Florida all the way to the Florida Keys. Their service area includes eight field stations, 61 pump stations and nine service centers. The District purchases all types of goods and services from vendors throughout the state and nationwide. These goods and services include property leasing, fencing, janitorial services, automotive parts, fencing, architect-engineering design services, and everything else in between. * Other Water Management Districts vendor registrations available upon request Call us for a free consultation and verify your eligibility to participate in any of the Programs referenced above. |