Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB)

Garland, Texas, is the 12th largest city in Texas, with an annual municipal budget exceeding $600 million. The City requires access to a diverse set of materials, equipment, supplies, and services. The City of Garland is committed to working with businesses certified as Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). The goal of this good-faith effort is to actively involve HUBs in the procurement process and ensure they receive a fair opportunity to compete for our business. To engage and develop HUB participation in Garland’s procurement process, the Purchasing Department maintains the following objectives:

  • Identify HUB suppliers through the state of Texas HUB database.
  • Provide HUB supplier education and awareness of Garland’s purchasing procedures, including electronic bidding.
  • Develop an assistance directory for suppliers.
  • Exceed state requirements for HUB supplier notification of bid opportunities.

Qualifications to Be a HUB

A for-profit entity that has not exceeded the size standard prescribed by 34 TAC §20.294 and has its principal place of business in Texas, and is at least 51% owned by the following who resides in Texas and actively participates in the control, operations, and management of the entity’s affairs:

  • American Women
  • Asian Pacific American
  • Black American
  • Hispanic American
  • Native American
  • Service-Disabled Veteran

Benefits of HUB Certification

HUB certification is free of charge and good for up to four years, provided the business continues to meet the eligibility requirements. Only certified HUBs are listed in the online Texas HUB Directory. The City of Garland uses the HUB Directory in conjunction with the Comptroller’s Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) to solicit bids from certified HUBs for purchasing and public works contracts. Prime contractors also use the HUB Directory to identify HUBs to whom they will send notification of their subcontracting opportunities. For purchases of $3,000 or less, the City of Garland can directly contact a business to buy goods and services.

Exposure

The Texas HUB Directory also can be searched by vendors looking for certified HUBs to include in their subcontracting plans. Increased exposure to the general public as well as other entities searching for minority-owned, woman-owned and service disabled veteran-owned businesses.

How to Become HUB Certified

Visit the State Comptroller website for information on registering as a historically underutilized business.