What is the M/WBE program?

In order to advocate fair and equitable opportunities for the participation of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, HISD is committed to providing opportunities in the areas of purchasing, professional services, and construction. We define an M/WBE firm as a business enterprise that is at least 51% owned by one of the following socially/economically disadvantaged groups – African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, Native-American, or Women. HISD accepts certification as an M/WBE firm from the following agencies:  City of Houston, the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, and/or the Women's Business Enterprise Alliance.

Do you offer workshops related to the M/WBE program?

We offer workshops on the first Wednesday of each month from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.  If the first Wednesday should fall on a scheduled holiday, the workshop will move to the next Wednesday of that month.  Please call our office at (713) 556-7273 for the scheduled dates and topics for these events.

Which M/WBE certification agencies are accepted by HISD?

HISD accepts M/WBE certifications from the following agencies:

City of Houston - (713) 837-9000
Houston Minority Supplier Development Council - (713) 271-7805
Women's Business Enterprise Alliance - (713) 681-9232

How do I become registered as a M/WBE firm?

Registration is not necessary through HISD; any firm that is certified as a Minority- or Woman-owned enterprise by one or more of the three agencies that HISD accepts is automatically considered a registered M/WBE firm.  HISD accepts M/WBE certificates from the following agencies: the City of Houston the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, and/or the Women's Business Enterprise Alliance. 

We are an out-of-town firm wanting to do business with HISD; do we have to be certified in Houston?

If a firm is certified by their local affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council and/or the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, then that firm may contact the appropriate Houston office to inquire about a reciprocal certification(s).  Please contact the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council at (713) 271-7805, and/or the Women's Business Enterprise Alliance at (713) 681-9232.

How do I complete the M/WBE forms in my proposal?

For assistance in completing the M/WBE forms contact Supplier Diversity at (713) 556-7273 for assistance by telephone or to schedule a meeting with a Supplier Diversity Specialist.

You may contact any or all of the three certifying agencies that HISD accepts to locate a certified Minority-or Women-owned firm.  Those agencies are as follows: the City of Houston, the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, and/or the Women's Business Enterprise Alliance.

What are the current M/WBE goal levels?

Purchasing - 20% M/WBE goal for contracts over $50,000
Professional Services - 25% M/WBE goal for contracts over $50,000
Construction - 20% M/WBE goal for contracts over $50,000