Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 38, September 21, 2024
Section 58.404 - Verification of eligible small diverse businesses or veteran business enterprises(a)Prerequisite.To complete the verification process for consideration as an SDB or VBE, the business shall, as a prerequisite, complete the self-certification process in § 58.403 (relating to self-certification of eligible small businesses) and shall hold the resultant certificate in support of the verification process in this section.(b)Verification of SDB status.The Department will verify MBE, WBE, DOBE, LGBTQBE, SDVBE or disadvantaged business status through the verification of certification from one or more of the following approved third-party entities: (1) The Unified Certification Program.(2) The National Minority Supplier Development Council.(3) The Women's Business Enterprise National Council.(5) The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.(6) The United States Small Business Administration 8(a) Program.(7) The United States Small Business Administration Veteran Small Business Certification(8) Additional entities as identified, approved and publicly posted by the Department on its web site at www.dgs.pa.gov.(c)Verification of VBE status. The Department will verify VBE status through the verification of certification from one or more of the following approved third-party entities: (1) The United States Small Business Administration Veteran Small Business Certification.(2) Additional entities as identified, approved and publicly posted by the Department on its web site at www.dgs.pa.gov.(d)Documentation. Applicants shall submit proof of active certifications from approved third parties in accordance with the requirements outlined on the Department's web site. The Department reserves the right to request additional information and conduct further review or auditing as needed.(e)Single expiration date. Regardless of the expiration date of the approved third-party certification, the expiration date of the Department verification as an SDB or VBE is the same as the SB self-certification expiration date. To maintain status as an SDB or VBE, a firm shall provide an active third-party certification upon successfully recertifying as an SB.(f)Disclaimer. The Department's verification process, as set forth in this section, is limited to SDB or VBE status and should not be construed as an endorsement of SDB or VBE expertise.Adopted by Pennsylvania Bulletin, Vol 54, No. 11. March 16, 2024, effective 3/16/2024