For Vendors

Recognized Certifications

Any business registered with the Florida Secretary of State is eligible to do business with the University of South Florida.  However, qualifying small-, minority-, women-, and service disabled veteran-owned business enterprises providing goods or services to USF should be certified by one of the following certifying entities:

• Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC)
• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
• State of Florida Office of Supplier Diversity
• Small Business Administration (SBA) (8A, HUsB Zone)
• Department of Veteran Affairs
• FDOT DBE
• EBO Certification for the City of Tampa

• Hillsborough County Minority, Woman & Small Business Certification

Certification Qualifications

Below are general qualifications for certification as a CBE (Certified Business Enterprise), however you will need to contact each organization individually to get specific requirements.

• 51% or more of firm owned by qualifying minority* or woman
• Possess expertise in the field
• Control the business enterprise
• United States Citizen
• Have a net worth of less than $5 million
• Have 200 or fewer full-time employees
• Have a professional license, if required by industry

*Minority groups include African American, American Indians, Hispanics and Asian Americans or as defined by 13 CFR 124.103.