• Minority & Women Business Enterprise

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: What is the M/WBE Program and how can it help me?
    A:  The M/WBE (Minority / Women Business Enterprise) Program was established to assist minority and women-owned businesses with pursuing Dallas ISD business opportunities in a legal and meaningful way.

    The M/WBE Department provides:

    • M/WBE advocacy and support 
    • Information regarding M/WBE certifications, bonding and technical support
    • Webinars, training sessions, business development workshops and networkers
    • Resolutions regarding M/WBE compliance issues
    • Contract compliance, monitoring, and M/WBE reporting 
    • Internal Marketing Campaigns 
    • Philanthropic Support for Dallas ISD students and families 

    Q: What type of firm qualifies as an M/WBE?
    A: A business which is 51%, owned and controlled by minority groups or women. Minority groups are African American, Hispanic American, Asian American and Native American-owned businesses. All other American women not included in the above groups are eligible for WBE certification.

    Q: Do I have to be certified as an M/WBE to do business with the district?
    A: No, certification is not a requirement to do business with the district. However, certification can be advantageous to your business. We strongly recommend M/WBE certification(s).

    Q: What certification(s) does the district recognize?
    A: DISD recognizes the following certifications:

    • North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA)
    • State of Texas's Historically Underutilized Business (HUB)
    • Small Business Administration (SBA) 8a and SDB
    • Department of Transportation (DOT)
    • South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA)
    • D/FW Minority Business Development Council
    • National Minority Supplier Development Council
    • City of Houston
    • Corpus Christi Transit Authority
    • Other Certifications may be considered on the individual basis

    Q: What can M/WBEs do to increase their participation in the bidding process?
    A: These simple steps can increase your opportunities with Dallas ISD.

    • Become certified
    • Attend pre-bid conferences, seminars, workshops sponsored by Dallas ISD
    • Establish and maintain contacts and relationships with prime contractors for potential business
    • Respond promptly to solicitation requests
    • Maintain open communication with the Dallas ISD
    • Update your contact information in the vendor registration portal

    Q: How can I find out about the district's upcoming business opportunities?
    A: The district publicizes its business opportunities using various advertising methods.

    • Bond Opportunities: www.dallasisd.org/bondop 
    • Supplier Opportunities: www.dallasisd.org/opportunities
    • Local Newspapers
    • Chambers of Commerce and Technical Assistance Centers

    Q: How long is the set-up process for a new vendor?
    A: Vendor registration is completed through our iSupplier portal www.dallasisd.org/vendor.  It normally takes between 15 - 20 minutes to complete the registration process and approximately 72 hours for approval notification. 

    Q: Who should complete the M/WBE Compliance Guidelines and Forms?
    A: The prime contractor is responsible for completing this document. For specific questions, contact the M/WBE Department at 972.925.4140.

    Q: Does the District offer any financial assistance to companies that are awarded contracts?
    A: Presently, there is no policy in place to provide financial assistance to suppliers.

    Q: What kinds of products/services does the district purchase?
    A: The district purchases a variety of products and services. 

    Q: Is M/WBE a government set-aside program? Does it take business away from majority-owned businesses?
    A: No, the district does not have a set-aside program, but actively seeks opportunities to utilize M/WBEs.

    Q: What is the purpose of an Availability & Disparity Study (A&D)?

    A: The A&D Study provides a legal foundation for race-based preference programs, such as the district's M/WBE Program. In accordance with the Supreme Court's ruling under the City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson, 48 U.S. 469, M/WBE Programs are highly commendable for their efforts to increase M/WBE utilization. However, they must be implemented in a constitutional manner. The A&D Study will provide the foundation for a "legally defensible" M/WBE Program.