Frequently Asked Quesitons

Frequent Questions & Answers

1. If I am certified by Florida Department of Transportation as a DBE, am I also certified by the OSD as an MBE to do business as a minority business enterprise with other state agencies?
   

   No, the two certifications are separate and distinct. The Office of Supplier Diversity certifies minority and women business enterprises on behalf of all of the state agencies and universities. The DBE certification must come from the Florida Department of Transportation for minority and women businesses who seek to take advantage of Federal government contracts administered by the State of Florida. OSD and FDOT have a working agreement to make the acquisition of both certifications as seamless as possible when vendors meet the qualifications for both certifications.

2. What procurement related state activities should I be aware of as a minority business enterprise owner?
   

   There are a variety of conferences, workshops and expos that occur through the year. State certified minority and woman owned businesses receive first-tier information on events hosted by the Office of Supplier Diversity through our "OSD Events" E-mail-outs, the "OSD Links" monthly newsletter and our frequently updated website. To get the most updated information on events hosted by the Office of Supplier Diversity as well as other agencies and organizations visit www.osd.dms.state.fl.us.

3. Are state agencies required to do business with minority vendors?
   

   No. However, state agencies are strongly encouraged to seek viable and growth-oriented minority businesses to participate in procurement opportunities.

4. How long does MBE Certification last?
   

   MBE Certification is granted for a period of one (1) year. OSD shall notify vendors whose MBE certificates are set to expire, approximately sixty (60) days prior to the end of a vendor’s certification period. Included in the letter are instructions for obtaining recertification.

   It is very important that each vendor ensure that MyFloridaMarketPlace.com has the most current contact information as well as the vendor’s mailing address to ensure receipt of all correspondence. If assistance is needed with updating this information please contact the MyFloridaMarketPlace helpdesk at (866) 352-3776.

5. What is the difference between registration and MBE certification?
   

   Registering your company as a vendor allows you to do business with the State of Florida. MBE certification indicates that your company has undergone a review process to show that it is 51% or more owned, controlled and operated by minorities.

6. How can my business become certified as a minority business enterprise?
   

   In order to become certified by OSD as a minority business enterprise, a business must meet the eligibility criteria set forth in Rule 60A-9, Florida Administrative Code. Further, the vendor must register with DMS as a vendor, identify itself as a minority business, and submit supporting documentation to OSD for review.

7. Must a business be certified as a minority business enterprise to do business with the State?
   

   No, any business may register with the Department of Management Services to do business with the State. However, if the vendor wishes to participate in the procurement process as a minority business enterprise, it must be certified by OSD.

8. If I have registered online as a vendor with the Department of Management Services, am I certified as a minority business enterprise?
   

   Not necessarily. When registering online, you will reach a screen where you can choose to become certified as a minority business enterprise. If you choose to do, you will be required to submit supporting documentation to OSD, which will be reviewed by a Certification Officer.
   Within 15 days after OSD’s receipt of the supporting documentation, you will be notified by email whether or not you have been certified as a minority business enterprise by OSD.

9. How long does the process usually take?
   

   It is office policy that a file be reviewed and additional information requested and received within 15 days of its receipt in our office.

   If you are unable to submit requested information to the office within that timeframe, your file will be Administratively Closed until the requested information is received. At that time, processing of your file will resume. Once all necessary documents are received, you will receive your certification documentation via email.

10. How do I register as a vendor with the Department of Management Services?
    

    Visit MyFloridaMarketplace Website and click on Online Vendor Registration.