Why do we have or need a HUB Program?
It's the LAW. During the 1999, 76th Legislative Session, Senator West and Representative Dukes coauthored language in Senate Bill 178, that encourages state agencies to provide procurement and subcontracting opportunities to HUB vendors. It helps the economy. Small businesses create 7 out of 10 new jobs in America and account for more than half of the output of our economy. It builds stronger relationships with the communities we serve. With over 13,032 certified HUBs receiving business from state agencies, these companies are likely to continue to build stronger connections with the state.
And we are good at it. UT System Administration is 5th in overall expenditures, with over $499 million dollars. Of the $499M over $141M was spent with certified HUBS. In addition to UT System, twelve (12) other UT institutions are included in the list of the top 50 spending agencies in the state. UT System Administration and four (4) academic institutions are included in the list of the top 25 State agencies spending more than $5 million with the largest percentage spent with HUBs, ranking 5, 8, 10, 20 and 21.
What does the UT System HUB program do?
- Ensure compliance by UT System throughout the bidding process;
- Publicize the HUB program;
- Assist HUB vendors in obtaining work with UT System,
- Promote contract opportunities.
Why should a business be HUB certified?
In order to comply with state law, state agencies must put forth a good faith effort to use HUB vendors. If a business becomes HUB certified then
- Accessibility to bid opportunities;
- State agency HUB Program Coordinators will help introduce these certified businesses to their agency procurement officers;
- Other entities will also use the HUB directory to identify eligible minority and/or women-owned businesses for their procurement opportunities/bids;
Note: State Agencies may use minority and women-owned vendors who are not HUB certified, but agencies cannot count those expenditures toward HUB participation.
