How to Apply for a Small Disadvantaged Minority Business Certification

In order to apply for a Small Disadvantaged Minority Business Certification, the applicant must be a small business as defined in SBA rules and regulations. The business must be at least 51 percent unconditional owned and controlled by one or more U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged. SBA certifies small disadvantaged businesses to make them eligible for special bidding benefits.

Instructions

1. Register your business in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database at http://www.ccr.gov. This is required in order to be eligible for certification. CCR is the primary registrant database for the U.S. Federal Government. CCR collects, validates, stores and disseminates data in support of agency acquisition missions. Your SBA customer ID number is generated when you enter your data in the SBA Supplemental pages of the CCR. This number is used to identify your firm in the SBA portion of the CCR database and is required on your application.

2. Take an online training course prior to applying for certification. The training course will answer questions that you may have regarding certification at http://www.sba.gov/training/courses.html

3. Operate your business for two years. In order to qualify for certification, you must be in business for two years. This rule may be waived for businesses that do not have two years of tax returns or businesses changing their primary industry by showing the following:1. That the disadvantaged owners and managers have substantial and demonstrated business management experience;2. The business itself has demonstrated technical expertise to carry on its business plan;3. The business has adequate capital to carry out its business plan;4. The business has a record of successful performance on contracts in the primary industry in which it is seeking certification; and5. The business has or can demonstrate its ability to obtain the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and any other requirements needed to perform on contracts. A business that has not generated any revenues in the current year or in previous years will not be able to wave the two year rule.

4. Submit your application- Download an application at http://www.sba.gov/sbaforms/sba1010.pdf Processing of the application begins when SBA receives it. There is a 15 day screening period and a 75 day overall processing time. If your initial application is declined, you can request that SBA reconsider its decision. You have 45 days from the date you receive SBA’s initial decision to request it be reconsidered. You must provide the information requested in the decision letter by that date or you will not be allowed to apply for one year.