Free Common Certificates in the State of Indiana
8 (a) Business Development Program | HUBZone Program | Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) | Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA) | City of Indianapolis | |
Certification Type | 8(a) Business/Small Disadvantaged Business | Historically Underutilized Business | Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) | Minority, Women and Veteran Business | Minority, Women and Veteran Business |
Main Benefit | Procurement and Financial Assistance | 10% price evaluation preference in contract competitions | Prime contractors are encouraged to utilize certified subcontractors on federally funded contracts (includes all USDOT spending through FHWA, FAA & FTA). | Prime contractors are encouraged to utilize certfied subcontractors on Indiana State contracts. | Prime contractors are encouraged to utilize certified subcontractors on Indianapolis City contracts. |
Other Benefits | Mentoring, Counseling, Training Surety Bonding | Federal government has goal of awarding 3% of all federal contracts to HUBzone certified. | Training Workshops, Contract Opportunities | Networking Workshops and Procurement Opportunities | Networking Workshops |
Business Size | Small Business by SBA standards | Small Business by SBA standards | Small Business by SBA standards | No Requirement | No Requirement |
Citizenship | U.S. Citizens | U.S. Citizen | U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident | U.S. Citizen | U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident |
Ownership | At least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. | Principal office must be located in a HUBzone with 35% of employees from that area. | At least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. | At least 51% owned and controlled by minority, woman or veteran. | At least 51% owned and controlled by minority, woman or veteran. |
Economic Requirement | Net Income of $250,000 or less, all asset of $4 million and personal income of $350,000. | No Requirement | Personal net worth less than $1,320,000 and personal income less than $350,000 (3 yr. avg.). | Viable Business | Viable Business |
Years in Business | At least 2 years | No Requirement | No Requirement | At least 2 years with exceptions | No Requirement |
Certification Renewal | Annual | Every 3 years reporting “material changes” immediately | Annual affidavit of no change. Once certified, you remain so until you no longer qualify for the program. | Every 3 years with annual updates | Every 3 years with annual updates |
Contact Information | 317-226-7272 x 115 | 317-226-7272 x 115 | 317-232-3061 | 317-327-5265 |
Doing Business with INDOT
While it can only help to be certified when trying to do business with INDOT, it is not necessary. Visit the "Doing Business with INDOT" section of the INDOT website to review business opportunities.
This is the gateway section, and under it you will find:
- All QPAs, RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs.
- The Contract Letting Information section, which gets you into all the lettings for road construction projects, lets you sign up for email alerts, and enables you to sign up for the Bidder and Planholder list.
- The Local Public Agency Programs section, which shows local projects that are partially funded by INDOT, including some that may have DBE or M/ WBE goals.
- The Procurement section, which will take you to products INDOT is looking to buy and the people in charge of buying them. There is no DBE preference here, and only M/WBE preferences in certain circumstances. Procurement preference is given to small business, Indiana business, U.S. manufactured goods and recycled materials.
Construction Estimating Institute (CEI)
Provides the following services to Indiana based DBE's:
- Business Plans
- Marketing Plans
- Website Developments
- Capabilities Statements
- 1:1 Business Consulting
CEI is also conducting weekly "DBE Power Sessions", which are 30 minute short talks on topics important to helping you grow your business. For more information, contact CEI at: info@indbesupport.com or see their website at ceihome.com.
Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC)
The Indiana Small Business Development Center (Indiana, SBDC), which is housed within the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, helps small businesses start, grow, finance, innovate and transition no-cost, confidential business advising and training. The Indiana SBDC was established in 1985 with funding support from the U.S. Small Business Administration and State of Indiana and has worked with over 50,000 entrepreneurs small businesses. With a network of 10 regional offices throughout the state, the Indiana SBDC helps Hoosier entrepreneurs and small businesses start stronger, grow faster and work smarter.
With 10 regional offices, there is likely an office near you. ISBDC provides many services useful for everything from concept development to growing a small business. Some of their services include registration guidance, developing a business plan, market research, assistance in securing financing and more. We greatly encourage you to contact your local ISBDC office which can be found through their website at http://isbdc.org/.