This page provides information and assistance to minority and women-owned businesses and how to do business with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the state.
Minority and Women-Owned Business Policy
It is the policy of the State of Arkansas to support equal opportunity as well as economic development in every sector. In accordance with the Minority and Women-Owned Business Economic Development Act, UA Little Rock supports all possible participation of companies owned and controlled by minority persons and women in state-funded and state-directed public programs and construction projects.
Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 19-11-229, 19-11-230 and 22-9-203 the State of Arkansas encourages all small, minority, and women owned business enterprises to submit competitive sealed bids and proposals for university projects, including capital improvement projects. Encouragement is also made to all general contractors that in the event they subcontract portions of their work, consideration is given to the identified groups.
Definitions
| Minority-Owned Business | Women-Owned Business |
|---|---|
Arkansas Code Annotated § 15-4-303 defines a minority-owned business as a business that is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned by one (1) or more minority persons who are lawful permanent residents of the State of Arkansas:
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Women-owned businesses are defined by Act 1080 of the 91st General Assembly Regular Session 2017 as a business that is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned by one (1) or more women who are lawful permanent residents of the State of Arkansas. |
Registration and Verification
Get registered and verified as a Minority or Woman-Owned Business (MWOB). UA Little Rock encourages businesses to take the following steps to allow for proper verification and identification as a MWOB. UA Little Rock encourages more in-state MWOB participation in competitive bid solicitations and contract opportunities at the university.
Supplier Registration – Registering as a supplier allows you to do business with the UA Little Rock
State Vendor Registration – Register through the state of Arkansas Office of State Procurement (OSP) to receive an AASIS vendor ID#.
AEDC Registration/Submission – Submit your business to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) online searchable directory.
Certify your business through AEDC to confirm minority status (optional, but requires AASIS ID).
These steps are necessary to improve MWOB opportunities with UA Little Rock and in support of MWOB spend goals.
AEDC Certification and Benefits (Optional, but highly encouraged)
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) conducts a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Certification process. The review process is designed to ensure that a minority or women-owned business is actually owned, controlled and operated by the applicants and meets the eligibility criteria of the program. Certification requires AASIS ID.
Certification Benefits:
- Certification is granted for two years and allows participation in the procurement process as a MWOB.
- AEDC certified minority or women-owned businesses can do business with the university for purchases up to $40,000 without the requirement of a competitive solicitation.
- MWOB will be listed in the AEDC online directory.
- Increase the opportunity for your MWOB to sell products and services to the State of Arkansas.
- Receive notification of training events, workshops, expos, network opportunities and educational opportunities.
Common Categories of Business
- Office furniture & supplies
- Construction services
- Various labor services
- IT hardware, software & services
- Event services
- Medical equipment & supplies
- Research equipment & supplies
- Audio-visual equipment & services
Types of Purchases and Guidelines
Please refer to Types of Purchases and Guidelines for details.
