Introduction to Small Business Enterprise Certification Program. Facilitator -- Mark Corbin, Director (SBESSC 2014)

Transcription

1 Introduction to Small Business Enterprise Certification Program Facilitator -- Mark Corbin, Director (SBESSC 2014)

2 Table of Contents 1. The Supportive Services Center 2. What is the SBE Program? 3. What is a Small Business Enterprise? 4. Services Provided by the SBESSC 5. Cost of Certification 6. How to Become a PennDOT Certified SBE? 7. Benefits of Being SBE Certified 8. What are the SBE Requirements? 9. Should I Apply? 10. Contact Us 11. Questions 2

3 SBE Supportive Services Center The Mission of the Small Business Enterprise Supportive Center (SBESSC) is to serve as a resource for assisting SBE firms in gaining access to FAA, FHWA, and FTA assisted, transportation-related contracts. The Center will also assist SBEs active in the transportation arena in becoming self sufficient and achieving proficiency in order to compete on an equal basis with non SBEs. 3

4 What is a Small Business Enterprise A for-profit business, owned by a United States citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States. A firm that does not exceed the Small Business Administration's size standards for the work they desire to (General building and heavy construction contractors $33.5 million, Special trade construction contractors $14 million, Land subdivision $7 million and Dredging $20 million) perform. A firm whose average annual gross receipts for the three previous fiscal years does not exceed $22.41million. 4

5 Services Provided by the SBE Supportive Center The SBE Supportive Services Center offers a broad array of services including but not limited to: (1) onsite training and development, (2) bid assistance,(3) computer and software training, (4) overhead rate assistance, (5) construction management, (6) business planning, and (7) Engineering and Construction Management System (ECMS) training. Whether developing or expanding your business the SBESSC can customize services to meet the individual needs of your firm. The SBESSC offers consultation services at your business site, via telephone and Skype. All of the services offered by the SBESSC are free of charge to certified SBE businesses. 5

6 Cost of Certification Certification is free. There is no fee for applying for certification as a SBE with PennDOT. However, if your firm s principal place of business is not located in Pennsylvania and you do not have an on-site report from your home state, you will be required to pay travel related expenses incurred by PennDOT to conduct an onsite evaluation consistent with the Commonwealth Travel Policy.

7 How to Become a PennDOT Certified SBE? Firms that meet the minimal criteria may apply for SBE certification by completing the online application. The application is located on the PennDOT SBE website: Firms currently certified as a DBE by the PA UCP are eligible to participate in the SBE Element and DO NOT need to submit a SBE application. If your firm's DBE certification is removed and you believe you meet the SBE requirements, you must apply for a login and follow the application process for SBE certification. In order to do business with PennDOT your firm must be registered as a PennDOT Business Partner and may be required to obtain additional approvals. Visit PennDOT's Engineering and Construction Management System (ECMS) at for more information. 7

8 Benefits of Being Certified SBE Increased business visibility. Opportunities to partner with other SBE firms on PennDOT projects. Maximize potential for contracting opportunities. Participate in networking opportunities. Free access to services provided by the SBESSC. 8

9 What are the Requirements of SBE Certification Qualifying groups REQUIREMENTS FOR SBE CERTIFICATION Gender and race neutral Anyone can apply Personal Net Worth (PNW) Owner s personal net worth cannot exceed $1,320,000 (excluding ownership interest in the applicant s business and the primary residence) Local firm Firm must have a primary or principal location in Pennsylvania Operational and For Profit concern Copies of 3 completed or in progress jobs, contracts, proposals or bids Control and Expertise SBA Guidelines Requirement U.S Citizenship Owners must have the experience, expertise, and control of the day-to-day operations of the firm Business must qualify as a small business under the Small Business Administration guidelines Owner(s) must be U.S citizens or permanent legal resident(s) 9

10 Should I Apply? Is the owner(s) a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident of the U.S.? Are your firm's average gross receipts over the previous three fiscal years less than $22.41 million? Is your firm organized as a for-profit business? If you answered "Yes" to all of the questions above, you may be eligible to participate in PennDOT's SBE Element.

11 Contact Us Problem Type General Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Element Information: 1. SBE Application Data Correction/Revision Requests 2. SBE Application Processing and Procedure Questions SBE Security and Registration Issues: 1. SBE Login/User ID/Password 2. SBE Security Roles: Add/Edit Delete/Change SBE System Errors: 1. System Down 2. Web Page Not Found Contact Bureau of Equal Opportunity Phone: (717) Toll Fee: (800) ECMS Helpdesk Phone: (717) PennDOT IT Service Desk Phone: (717) Toll Free: (855)

12 Questions? 12