Frequently Asked Quesitons

Frequent Questions & Answers

1. What is Certification?
   

   Certification is a licensing procedure to ensure that businesses claiming to be minority-, woman-, or service-disabled veteran-owned and controlled are bona fide. Eligibility criteria are in Chapter 287.0943 and 295.187, Florida Statutes.

2. May I use the Office of Supplier Diversity's logo on my website or publications to signify my certification?
   

   No. The Office of Supplier Diversity's logo is the property of the Department of Management Services and can not be used to promote any entity without prior approval.

   A solution to this request is to create a jpeg or gif image of the full certification certificate sent in .pdf form from MyFloridaMarketPlace.

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

   Visit MyFloridaMarketplace Website and click on Online Vendor Registration.

4. How long does the process usually take?
   

   It is office policy to review a file and request additional information within 15 business days of receipt in our office.

   If the additional documentation requested is not received within the timeframe established the file will be Administratively Closed until the requested information is received. Once all necessary documents are received, reviewed, and approved a certificate will be sent via email.

5. 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 with MyFloridaMarketPlace you have the option of selecting to become a certified minority, woman, or service-disabled veteran owned business enterprise. Should you choose to become certified, you are required to submit supporting documentation to the Office of Supplier Diversity for review.

6. 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 the Office of Supplier Diversity.

7. 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.

8. 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 a minority, woman, or service-disabled veteran.

9. How long does MBE Certification last?
   

   MBE Certification is granted for a period of two (2) year as of July 1, 2009. OSD shall notify vendors whose MBE certification 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 MyFloridaMarketPlace.com has the most current contact information to ensure receipt of all correspondence. If assistance is needed with updating this information please contact the MyFloridaMarketPlace helpdesk at (866) 352-3776.

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

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

11. 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, woman, and service-disabled veteran 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.

12. 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, woman, and service-disabled veteran 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.