Connecticut's SBE & MBE Programs Explained

CT News - Published Aug 13, 2014

Companies bidding on State of Connecticut (CT) contracts may be required to meet minority (including women) and small business (MBE and SBE) set-asides on contracts or make a good faith effort to meet the set-asides. As part of the good faith effort requirement, contractors must advertise subcontracting and supplier opportunities to Connecticut's (CT) MBE and SBE community. 

To become certified by the State of Connecticut (CT) as an SBE, a the company must meet the following criteria:

Have been doing business under the same ownership or management and has maintained its principal place of business in Connecticut for at least one year immediately prior to the date of application; Have Gross revenues not exceeding $15,000,000 during its most recent fiscal year; and, Be 51% ownership held by one or more person(s) who exercises the operational authority over daily affairs of the business and has the power to direct policies and management and receives beneficial interests of the business.

To become certified by the State of Connecticut (CT) as an MBE, a the company must meet the following criteria:

A small business (must meet the above-stated SBE criteria) with at least 51% ownership by one or more minority person(s) who exercises operational authority over daily affairs of the business, has the power to direct management and policies, and receives the beneficial interests of the business; and A minority is a person(s) who is American Indian, Asian, Black, Hispanic, has origins in the Iberian Peninsula, a woman, or an individual with a disability.

To apply for Connecticut (CT) MBE or SBE certification, eligible firms must submit an application to Connecticut's (CT) Department of Administrative Services, which administers the MBE and SBE program. 

Regardless of the certifying agency, the most common way that government agencies facilitate Connecticut (CT) MBE and SBE participation on public contracts is by establishing MBE and SBE utilization goals on projects put out to bid. By doing this, prime bidders are required to make available and notify Connecticut (CT) MBE and SBE-certified businesses of subcontracting, supplying, and/or vendor opportunities on the contract. Connecticut (CT) MBE and SBE certification also affords minority businesses access to outreach events and workshops hosted by Connecticut (CT) agencies, non-profits, and other organizations.