MBE/EDGEProfessional and
Cross Certification Process
Presented by the
Equal Opportunity Division
Gregory L. Williams
Deputy Director
State EEO Coordinator
Professional Certification Process: Overview
The Professional Certification process is currently a pilot program
(running through June 30, 2017) but will become a permanent
certification process beginning on July 1, 2017.
It is meant to reduce the kinds of supporting documentation—and
therefore the time to certify—certain professionals into either the
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) or Encouraging Diversity,
Growth and Equity (EDGE) programs.
Professional Certification: Eligibility
Accountants Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
Anesthesiologists and Nurse
AnesthetistsOccupational and Physical Therapists
Architects Optometrists
Attorneys Pharmacists
Chemical Dependency TherapistsPhysicians and Physican Assistants
Chiropractors Psychologists and Psychiatrists
Counselors, Social Workers and
Marriage and Family Therapists
Speech-Language Pathologists and
Audiologists
Dentists Teachers
Engineers Veterinarians
Midwives
Professional Certification: Eligibility
These professions were selected for the pilot
• Because another state agency has already
licensed these professions, thereby verifying their
authenticity; and
• Based on the areas of greatest agency need.
EOD is currently reevaluating the list and considering
expanding it to include other professions
To apply, an applicant must
1. Be a sole proprietor (not necessarily registered with the Secretary of
State) and
2. Complete the following steps:
(a) complete an online Unified Application through the Ohio Business
Gateway (obg.ohio.gov);
(b) complete an affidavit of eligibility, which can be found online at
mbe.ohio.gov and edge.ohio.gov;
(c) email the completed affidavit and supporting documentation to
Professional Certification: Process
Upon submission and review of all requested documentation,
eligible businesses will be approved and the certification will be:
• Issued for up to two years; and
• Posted on DAS/EOD webpage, along with other MBE- and
EDGE-certified vendors.
CROSS CERTIFICATION
PROCESS
The State of Ohio has entered into several reciprocity agreements
municipalities and professional organizations to streamline the
MBE and EDGE application processes for the socially and
economically disadvantaged businesses that have already
undergone a certification review with that other entity.
Cross Certification: Overview
MBE Cross Certification: Overview
• City of Canton MBE Program
• City of Cincinnati Business Enterprise
Program
• City of Columbus MBE Certification and
Verification Program
• City of Dayton Procurement
Enhancement Program (PEP) (MBE
portion of the PEP program only)
• City of Springfield MBE/FBE
Program (MBE portion of the MBE/FBE
program only)
• City of Toledo MBE Program
• Ohio Turnpike Commission MBE/FBE
Program (MBE portion of the MBE/FBE
program only)
• Ohio Minority Supplier Development
Council
EDGE Cross Certification: Overview
• Central Ohio Transit Authority DBE Program
• City of Cincinnati Business Enterprise Program
• City of Cleveland MBE/FBE Program
• Cleveland Municipal School District DBE Program
• City of Columbus MBE/FBE Program
• City of Dayton Procurement Enhancement Program
• City of Springfield MBE/FBE Program
• City of Toledo MBE/WBE Program
• Columbus Airport Authority DBE
Program
• Federal HUBZone Empowerment
Contracting Program
• Federal SBA Program with 8A Status
• Greater Cleveland RTA DBE Program
• State of Ohio MBE Program
• Ohio Department of Transportation
DBE Program
• Ohio Turnpike Commission MBE/FBE
Program
Steps to apply for cross certification:
1. Submit an abridged application in accordance with the certifying
program’s requirements.
2. ... that’s it!
At this point, we will work with the other entity to gather the
information we need and efficiently process your certification
application into our programs.
Cross Certification: Process
• We request a Statement of Good Standing and Recommendation
from the other party
• Upon review of the application and the Statement of Good Standing
and Recommendation for certification, the certifying Party will adopt
the other Party’s recommendation for certification.
• The certification period is for the same duration as the initial
certification for applicants whose certification is granted in
accordance with the standard certification.
• Once certified, the business gains access to the benefits and
responsibilities of the programs.
Cross Certification Process
At the end of the initial Cross Certification period, the Parties agree that
if the applicant seeks recertification with the certifying Party it may be
subject to the certifying Party’s standard recertification process,
irrespective of whether or not the other Party has recertified the
applicant.
Recertification
For more information
Website:
mbe.ohio.gov or edge.ohio.gov
Contact Us:
Business Certification and Compliance Unit
4200 Surface Road
Columbus, OH 43228
Phone: (614) 466-8380
Email: [email protected]