OSU PaCS 305-01: Certified Status Vendors

Purpose

To ensure that minorities, women, and emerging small businesses have equal access to contracting opportunities and that OSU will procure goods and services from qualified nonprofit agencies that employ disabled individuals. 

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Applicability

1. All employees
2. Any company that qualifies and has the appropriate certification as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE), or Emerging Small Business (ESB). 
3. Any nonprofit organization that trains and puts Oregonians with disabilities to work. 

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Definition

Certified Status Vendors

For purposes of the PaCS Policies and Procedures Manual, qualified companies described in this BACKGROUND INFORMATION section of this policy are Certified Status Vendors.

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Background Information

The rules governing OSU’s use of minorities, women and emerging small businesses are contained in OARs 580-040-0205 and 0215.  The rules governing qualified rehabilitation facilities are contained in OAR 580-040-0290.

There are three types of OMWESB certifications companies can apply for.  Companies may apply for all certifications for which they qualify.

1. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) - Federal
   Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification is for firms seeking contracting opportunities with recipients of federal transportation-related monies.
   
   
2. Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) - State/local
   Minority Business Enterprise or Women Business Enterprise certification is for firms seeking contracting opportunities with state, county, city, and other public jurisdictions.
   
   
3. Emerging Small Business (ESB) - State/local
   Emerging Small Business Certification is for small businesses seeking contracting opportunities on projects specifically designated for ESB participation.  The ESB program is a race-and-gender-neutral program.

Certification is obtained from the Oregon Department of Consumer & Business Services, Office of Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business (OMWESB).  See website at www.cbs.state.or.us/omwesb/

Qualified Rehabilitation Center (QRF)

A QRF (Qualified Rehabilitation Facility) is 

• an activity center or rehabilitation facility,
• certified as a community rehabilitation program or as a vocational service provider through the Oregon Department of Human Services,
• determined qualified under OAR 125-055-015 by the State Procurement Office.

Qualified Rehabilitation Facilities (QRFs) are certified by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (ODAS).  See website at www.oregonrehabilitation.org.

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Policy

Oregon State University (OSU) shall expand economic opportunities for Minority Business Enterprises, Women Business Enterprises and Emerging Small Businesses by offering potential contracting and subcontracting opportunities through its contracts.  Notices of all contract and bid request solicitations using the formal bidding process, described in PaCS 302-02: Bidding Process, shall be provided to the Advocate for Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business and the Oregon Department of Administrative Services for the Oregon Opportunity Register and Clearinghouse.

OSU and its departments shall not knowingly contract with or procure goods and services with any organization, business entity, or individual that discriminates on the basis of age, disability, national origin, race, marital status, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

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Procedure

For procurements of goods and services, bidders and proposers shall certify, as part of the bid or proposal documents accompanying the bid or proposal on a public contract, that such bidder or proposer has not discriminated against minority, women, or emerging small business enterprises in obtaining any required subcontracts.

For construction contracting, OSU shall utilize Affirmative Action procedures and make the appropriate forms available to demonstrate compliance with OMWESB regulations.

OSU shall purchase goods and services from a QRF in accordance with ORS 279.850.

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Additional Information

See the PaCS website for a searchable database of vendors that meet certified status requirements, as well as a list of QRFs.  The database is continually being updated and PaCS encourages the use of this list whenever possible.

 

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