The Texas A&M University HUB Program implements a multifaceted approach that promotes the inclusion of HUB vendors in the university supplier pool. HUB Program services endeavor to:
- Address HUB vendor concerns regarding the Texas A&M procurement process
- Assist departments in identifying HUB vendors for specific procurement and subcontracting opportunities
- Provide vendors equal opportunity to respond to bid opportunities
- Educate and assist vendors on how to participate in Texas A&M procurement opportunities.
- Assist with HUB Certification
- Include vendors in the A&M HUB Vendor Directory
- Facilitate the Mentor-Protege Program
- Sponsor Economic Opportunity Forums
- Conduct workshops to train and assist vendors and university procurement staff with HUB legislation and university procurement/subcontracting topics
The HUB directory was developed to assist departments and university buying staff to locate HUB vendors for procurements. The directory is accessible to the entire university community and Texas A&M University System components. Users can search for vendors by product/service, vendor name, or location. Information displayed includes vendor's name, identification number, address, ethnicity, contact person, phone and fax number, email address and vendor web site. The directory also includes a complete listing of vendor products and links to the Comptroller's tax status page. The Directory is located at hubdirectory.tamu.edu.
For more information on the directory, please contact the HUB Program office.
Texas A&M University makes a good faith effort to assist HUBs in receiving a portion of the total yearly procurement/expenditures. Statewide HUB procurement expenditure goals as per TAC § 20.284, Texas Government Code 2161.181 and 2161.182, are as follows:
- 11.2% Heavy Construction
- 21.1% Building Construction
- 32.9% Special Trade Construction
- 23.7% Professional Services
- 26.0% Other Services
- 21.1% Commodities
It is required by State of Texas law that all state agencies shall make a Good Faith Effort to utilize Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) in contracts for construction, services including professional and consulting services), and commodity procurements.
In accordance with Texas Government Code §2161.252 and Texas Administrative Code §20.284, each state agency (including institutions of higher education) as defined by §2151.002 that considers entering into a contract with an expected value of $100,000 or more shall, before the agency solicits bids, proposals, offers, or other applicable expressions of interest, determine whether subcontracting opportunities are probable under the contract.
If subcontracting opportunities are probable, each state agency's invitation for bids or other purchase solicitation documents for construction, professional services, other services, and commodities with an expected value of $100,000 or more shall state that probability and require a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP).
Bidder/Respondent must submit their HUB Subcontracting Plan on the State of Texas HSP form. Forms must be complete and clearly legible. Forms may not be altered in anyway. The HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) shall be submitted in a sealed envelope and identified as the HUB Subcontracting Plan. Vendor will include the bid/offer/proposal number, and bidder's/respondent's name on the envelope. The HSP is due at the same time bidder/respondent submits the bid/offer/proposal unless otherwise notated. Incomplete/incorrect HSPs or HSPs not submitted on the State of Texas form will be considered non-responsive and bidder's/respondent's bid/offer/proposal will be rejected as a whole.
A Good Faith Effort includes the vendor developing a HUB Subcontracting Plan that includes, but is not limited to, the following actions:
- Dividing the contract work into reasonable lots or portions to the extent consistent with prudent industry practices.
- Provide written notifications to 3 HUBs, in writing, of the work the potential contractor/vendor intends to subcontract. Notification must include: The scope of the work, information regarding the location to review plans and specifications, bonding and insurance information and /or requirements, date and time for response, and contact information. Vendor must allow the HUBs no less than 7 business days from their receipt of notice to respond not including the day notification was sent out.
- Provide written notification to a minority or women trade organization or development center concerning subcontracting opportunities. The notification must include the scope of the work, information regarding the location to review plans and specifications, bonding and insurance information and/or requirements, date and time for response, and contact information. Vendor must provide no less than 7 business days from receipt of notice for subcontractors to respond not including the day notification was sent out.
- Vendor must provide official written documentation to demonstrate compliance with the above notification requirements (e.g. fax transmittal logs, written and email correspondence, and responses). Failure to provide proof of your good faith effort will result in the disqualification of your response.