Certification

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Certification Criteria

If your company qualifies for one or more of the categories below, you should apply for certification.

Small Business Concern

The term "small business concern" (SB) means a small business as defined pursuant to Section 3 of the Small Business Act and relevant regulations (FAR, 19.001) promulgated pursuant thereto.

Small Disadvantaged Business Concern

The terms "small business concern owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals," also referred to as a "small disadvantaged business concern," (SDB) means a small business concern which is at least fifty-one percent (51%) unconditionally owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the stock of which is unconditionally owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of such individuals. XO presumes that socially and economically disadvantaged individuals include Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent-Asian Americans, and other minorities, or any other individual found to be disadvantaged by the Small Business Administration (SBA) pursuant to section 8(a) of the Small Business Act.

Women Owned Small Business Concern

The term "women owned small business concern" (WOSB) means a small business that is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned by one or more women or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

HUBZone Small Business Concern

The term "HUBZone small business concern" (HUBZone SBC) means a small business concern (see above definition) that is exclusively owned and controlled by persons who are United States citizens that has its principal office located in a HUBZone (as defined in regulations promulgated by the Small Business Administration, 13 CFR Part 126). In addition, pursuant to Small Business Administration regulations, at least thirty-five percent (35%) of the concern’s employees must reside in a HUBZone for the concern to qualify as a HUBZone small business concern.

Veteran/Vietnam Owned Small Business Concern

The term "Veteran Owned Small Business Concern" (VVOSBC) means a small business concern not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans (as defined at 38 U.S.C. 101(2)) or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than fifty-one percent (51%) of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans. For purposes of this definition, eligible veterans include:

Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
Vietnam era veterans who served for a period of more than 180 days, any part of which was between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975, and were discharged other than dishonorably.
Disabled veterans with a minimum compensable disability of 30 percent, or a veteran who was discharged for disability.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concern

The term "small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans" (or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concern – SDVOSBC) means a small business concern which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; where a Service-Disabled Veteran with a Permanent and Severe Disability means a veteran with a service-connected disability that has been determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to have a permanent and total disability for purposes of receiving disability compensation or a disability pension. and "veteran," "service connected," "caregiver," and "spouse," are defined in 38 USC 101 or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and, whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent care-giver of such veteran.

8(a) Business Development Program

The term "SBA's 8(a)&q' means a socially and economically disadvantaged firms; it was created to help eligible small disadvantaged businesses become independently competitive in the federal procurement market. A firm must be 51% owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual or individuals to be eligible for the 8(a) Program; 8(a) firms automatically qualify for SDB certification.

Historically Black College or University

The term "Historically black college or university" (or HBCMI) means an institution determined by the Secretary of Education to meet the requirements of 34 CFR 608.2. For the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Coast Guard, the term also includes any nonprofit research institution that was an integral part of such a college or university before November 14, 1986.

Disabled Owned Business Concern

The term "Disabled Owned Business Concern" (or DOBE) is that at least 51 percent owned by an individual or individuals who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such persons major life activities. Individual(s) must be involved in the day-to-day management of the business.

Certification Agencies

The following are just a few of the many certification providers available for you to certify your small and or diverse business. Please contact them directly with assistance. We at XO do not provide such a service.

Agency	Certification Information
Small Business Administration 8a	The applicant firm must be a small business, must be unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who are of good character and citizens of the United States, and must demonstrate potential for success.
HUBZone	To participate in the HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program, a concern must be determined to be a "qualified HUBZone small business concern." A firm can be found to be a qualified HUBZone concern, if: It is a small and located in an "historically underutilized business zone" (HUBZone) At least 35% of its employees reside in a HUBZone Owned by one or more U.S. Citizens
Small and Disadvantage	There are several different applications for various business legal structures. Each legal structure has its own application page.
Women Owned WBENC	Qualifications: Fifty-one percent ownership by a woman or women Proof of effective management of the business (operating position, by-laws, hire-fire and other decision-making role.) Control of the business as evidenced by signature role on loans, leases and contracts US Citizenship or US Resident Alien Status.
Veterans	The applicant firm must be able to verify ownership and control of their business by Service Disabled Veteran (SDV) Individuals. Records, documents and other supporting information deemed necessary will be reviewed to establish eligibility for SDVB classification.

Below are links to the public homepages of state governments that may provide you with additional useful information. Please check with individual states for additional information on the requirements of those states. XO is providing these links merely as a courtesy, and makes no representation regarding the information contained on those links, or the current status or validity of those links.