Benefits of HUB Certification

  • HUB Certification is free to qualified vendors.
  • Certification is valid for 4 years, provided that a business continues to meet the eligibility requirements.
  • Business is registered on the Comptroller’s web-based HUB Directory. State agencies use the HUB Directory in conjunction with the Comptroller’s Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) to solicit bids from certified HUBs for state purchasing contracts.
  • State Agencies and institutions of higher education are required to report dollar amounts, solicitations, and contracts with qualified HUB vendors to the State of Texas. Therefore, each agency or university is actively contacting certified HUB vendors to meet or exceed the State of Texas HUB initiatives. 
  • State Agencies and Institutions of higher education are required to solicit a minimum of two minority-owned vendors when procuring goods and/or services over a set dollar amount. Tarleton’s set amount exceeds $25,000.
  • State Agencies and Institutions of higher education are required to implement a HUB Subcontracting Plan when the cost of procuring goods and/or services exceeds $100,000. Prime or general contractors must make a good faith effort to use HUBs when using subcontractors. 
  • State Agencies and Institutions of higher education are required to set goals with certified HUB vendors when procuring goods and/or services and report the goals to the State of Texas. Each agency must meet or exceed the set goals or explain why the goals were not met.

HUB Vendor Classification

  • To be classified as a HUB vendor, a business must be at least 51% owned by an Asian Pacific American, African American, Hispanic American, Native American, American woman and/or Service Disabled Veteran, who reside in Texas and actively participate in the control, operations, and management of the entity’s affairs.
  • A HUB must be a for-profit entity that has not exceeded the size standards prescribed by 34 TAC 20.23, and has its principal place of business in Texas.

Centralized Masters Bidder List

The Centralized Masters Bidder List was developed and is maintained by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to solicit and contract with HUB and Non-HUB vendors. You can register for HUB here. Certified HUB vendors are encouraged to apply for the CMBL. 

Vendors must complete a separate CMBL Application and pay a fee of $70.00 annually, which can be paid online by credit/debit card or via a printable application. State Agencies and institutions of higher education regularly search the CMBL to find vendors, especially HUB vendors. For more information, visit our website. 

Get your vendor listing added to our E-Procurement System for future purchases. Follow the instructions for Vendor Setup through Buy A&M, and please indicate that you are a HUB vendor.

HUB Application FAQ

How much does it cost to be a certified HUB member?

The HUB application is free.

Where do I mail my HUB application?

You can find information regarding where to send your application on the Texas Comptroller website.

How long does the HUB application take to process?

The HUB application takes about 60 days to process.

HUB Certification FAQ

Once I am certified, am I certified for life?

No, you must renew your HUB certification every four years. The Comptroller’s office will send a renewal notice prior to the expiration. 

Does HUB certification automatically list my business on the CMBL?

No, a separate application for CMBL listing is required. The cost is $70.00 per year and paid online.