The Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) launched its new Statewide Uniform Certification (SWUC) program on Wednesday, July 1, 2009.
SWUC was developed to streamline the certification process, reduce the redundancy in certifying minority and women-owned businesses and create a centralized HUB and minority/women business database. The HUB Office will take the lead in certifying HUB and Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) firms that previously had to apply for certification both through the state HUB Office and local M/WBE program offices.
“This initiative will expand opportunities for minority-, disabled- and women-owned businesses to participate in state and local government contracts,” said Gov. Bev Perdue, who recently issued Executive Order No. 13 to assist HUB firms. “We trust it will help the state achieve, and hopefully exceed, its aspirational goal of at least 10 percent of all state government contracts being awarded to HUB firms.”
SWUC is the result of N.C. General Statute 143-128.4, 143-48.4. It was developed by the HUB Office in collaboration with local M/WBE program directors and with feedback from HUB firms, prime contractors and HUB resource advocates. In addition to increasing efficiency and service to the HUB community, SWUC will establish a centralized database for state agencies, local municipalities and contractors looking to identify and utilize HUB vendors and sub-contractors.