Certifications

Georgetown encourages diverse suppliers to apply for certification through the following programs:

DC CDE Certification requires that business headquarters are physically located in DC, and that either owned, operated, and controlled by a District-based enterprise or at least 51% owned and operated by DC residents.

To apply for DC CBE Certification:

Businesses can apply to be a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), a designation within CBE. Businesses owners must submit a Personal Net Worth Statement and a letter explaining why they are socially or economically disadvantaged.

To apply for DC DBE Certification:

Maryland Certification types include:

  • Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
  • Small Business Enterprise (SBE)

The process for any of Maryland’s certifications is 1) Application submitted 2) Submitted documents are investigated 3) MBE advisory council (MBEAC) reviews investigation report 4) MBEAC chair makes a determination and notifies businesses

Minority Business Enterprise Certification:

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification:

Small Business Enterprise Certification:

Application can either be submitted online or mailed to Office of Minority Business Enterprise, 7201 Corporate Center Drive, Hanover, MD 21076

Virginia Certification Types Include:

  • Small: fewer than 250 employees or average cross receipts over less than $10 million
  • Women-Owned: Owned and operated by at least 51% by one or more women
  • Minority-Owned: Owned and operated by at least 51% minority individuals

Application Process for all Virginia Certification Types:

8 (a) Small Business Certification requires that businesses be owned by at least 51% by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals.

To apply for 8 (a) Small Business Certification:

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification requires that businesses be at least 51% owned and operated by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals.

To apply for DBE Certification:

Service-disable Veteran Small Business Certification requires that businesses must be at least 51% owned and operated by one or more service-disabled veterans.

To apply for Service-disable Veteran Small Business Certification:

Certification validates that a business is owned, managed, operated and controlled by an ethnic minority or woman. 

Georgetown accepts both self-certifications and formal local, federal, and commercial supplier diversity certifications. Certifications can assist your business in accessing a variety of public and private contract opportunities. The following organizations can assist your business in acquiring relevant certifications:

Non-M/WBE vendors are welcome to seek contracting opportunities with the University. However, to be identified as an M/WBE supplier, the vendor must be certified.

If you are not currently registered as a diverse or local supplier, Georgetown encourages you to do so by following the outlined process below. Certification validates that a business is owned, managed, operated and controlled by an ethnic minority or woman. Additionally, certifications can assist your business in accessing a variety of public and private contract opportunities.

Does Your Business Qualify

If you are able to answer “yes” to any of the questions below, you may be an eligible candidate for Georgetown supplier diversity efforts.

1. Is your company certified as one of the following business categories:

  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
  • Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
  • Service Disabled Veteran Owned Enterprise (SDVET)
  • Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
  • Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
  • Veteran Owned Business Enterprise (VET)

Please review the Classifications table for complete details.

2. Is your business located in the District of Columbia or in the DC Metro region?

3. Does your company meet the required supplier business capabilities?

4. Can your company fulfill its commitment to meeting the University’s qualified business expectations?

Engagement Process to identify their next steps.