Minority and Women-Owned Business Resources

This page provides information and assistance to minority and women-owned businesses and how to do business with the University of Arkansas (UA) and the state.

Minority and Women-Owned Business Policy

It is the policy of the State of Arkansas to support equal opportunity as well as economic development in every sector. In accordance with the Minority and Women-Owned Business Economic Development Act, UA supports all possible participation of companies owned and controlled by minority persons and women in state-funded and state-directed public programs and construction projects.

Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 19-11-229, 19-11-230 and 22-9-203 the State of Arkansas encourages all small, minority, and women owned business enterprises to submit competitive sealed bids and proposals for university projects, including capital improvement projects. Encouragement is also made to all general contractors that in the event they subcontract portions of their work, consideration is given to the identified groups.

Definitions

Minority-Owned Business

Arkansas Code Annotated § 15-4-303 defines a minority-owned business as a business that is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned by one (1) or more minority persons who are lawful permanent residents of the State of Arkansas:

• African American
• Hispanic American
• American Indian
• Pacific Islander American
• Asian American
• A Service-Disabled Veteran as designated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Women-Owned Business

Women-owned business is defined by Act 1080 of the 91 st General Assembly Regular Session 2017 as a business that is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned by one (1) or more women who are lawful permanent residents of the State of Arkansas.

Registration and Verification

Get registered and verified as a Minority or Woman-Owned Business (MWOB). UA encourages businesses take the following steps to allow for proper verification and identification as a MWOB. UA also encourages more in-state MWOB participation in competitive bid solicitations and contract opportunities at the UA:

• UA Vendor Registration - Register as a supplier/vendor allows you to do business with the UA. Supplier must have a confirmed (or intended) business relationship with UA to be invited by UA to register through PaymentWorks. Reach out to your UA contact to get started.
• State Vendor Registration - Register through the state of Arkansas Office of State Procurement (OSP) to receive an AASIS vendor ID#.
• AEDC Registration/Submission - Submit your business to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) online searchable directory.
• Certify your business through AEDC to confirm minority status (optional, but requires AASIS ID).

These steps are necessary to improve MWOB opportunities with the UA and in support of UA MWOB spend goals.

Minority and Women Owned Business Recommendations Guide

The Minority and Women Owned Business (MWOB) Recommendations Guide provides step-by-step information on how to become a supplier/vendor and initiate business with the University of Arkansas.

AEDC Certification and Benefits (Optional, but highly encouraged)

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) conducts a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Certification process. The review process is designed to ensure that a minority or women-owned business is actually owned, controlled and operated by the applicants and meets the eligibility criteria of the program. Certification requires AASIS ID.

• Certification is granted for two years and allows participation in the procurement process as a MWOB.
• AEDC certified minority or women-owned businesses can do business with UA for purchases up to $40,000 without requirement of competitive solicitation.
• MWOB will be listed in the AEDC online directory.
• Increase the opportunity for your MWOB to sell products and services to the State of Arkansas.
• Receive notification of training events, workshops, expos, network opportunities and educational opportunities.

UA Common Categories of Business

Including, but not limited to:

• Office furniture & supplies
• Construction services
• Various labor services
• IT hardware, software & services
• Event services
• Promotional Items
• Medical equipment & supplies
• Research equipment & supplies
• Audio-visual equipment & services

UA Purchasing Methods/Thresholds

• Purchasing Methods
• Hogbid - UA’s formal bid solicitation page.
• UAF Construction Bids: Suppliers interested in working with Facilities Management on future projects can view current Requests for Qualifications and sign up to be notified of RFQ opportunities. Suppliers can also Visit Current RFQs on the Planning and Design Website.
• AEDC certified minority or women-owned businesses can do business with UA for purchases up to $40,000 without requirement of competitive solicitation.