M/WBE documentation requirements explained at monthly workshop

This month’s Workshop Wednesday featured members of HISD’s Business Assistance Supplier Diversity team discussing requirements and tips for completing Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) documentation, which all vendors doing business with the district are required to submit.

Supplier Diversity Team Lead Yesenia Taylor led the workshop and explained that M/WBE documentation, which recently has been updated, is a required part of all Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Competitive Sealed Proposals (CSPs) put out by the district.

“If you want to do business with HISD, you must complete these documents to move forward in the proposal process,” Taylor said. “It is a small portion of the RFP, but an important one.”

Because HISD is committed to providing fair and equitable business opportunities for M/WBEs, the district has set participation goals of 20 percent for purchasing, non-professional services and construction (over $50,000) and 25 percent for professional services (over $50,000). Information collected through the required documentation enables the district to track and verify that these goals are being met and that vendors are delivering on their commitments.

Vendors can choose from several options to meet the necessary benchmarks including becoming M/WBE certified, sub-contracting a portion of work to an M/WBE, or accumulating points for various activities.

More information on HISD’s Supplier Diversity program

“We want to help you be successful,” Taylor said. “This can be a complicated process, but we are available to review your information, give feedback and answer your questions. Just give us a call.”

For assistance on completing M/WBE documentation or information about upcoming workshops and networking opportunities, contact the Business Assistance Supplier Diversity office at 713-556-7273.

HISD’s Business Assistance Supplier Diversity department hosts Workshop Wednesday, which is held on the first Wednesday of each month. Topics covered vary and are targeted to provide relevant information and assistance to M/WBEs interested in doing business with the district.