FAQ

Does NCMSDC or any affiliate of NCMSDC sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to an applicant submitting a MBE Application?

No, neither NCMSDC nor an affiliate of NCMSDC signs a Non-Disclosure Agreement.  However, NCMSDC staff members are required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement.

What does the Certification Committee look for in an application?

The committee is looking for minority ownership, managerial operations and control.

"Ownership by minority individuals" means the business is at least 51% owned by such individuals or, in the case of a corporation or a LLC, such individuals own at least 51% of the shares and control Corporation's Board of Directors or the LLC's Board of Managers.

The minority owner(s) shall possess the title and power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the business and to make independent, day-to-day business decisions as well as other major decisions on matters of management, policy, and operations.

The business shall not be subject to any formal or informal restrictions, through, for example, by-law/operating agreement provisions, partnership agreements or Charter requirements for cumulative voting rights or other arrangements that prevent the minority owners from making a decision for the business "without the cooperation or vote of any owner who is not a minority."

In summary, the certifiable minority business owner must demonstrate operational and managerial control of the firm. This control shall "be real, substantial and continuing and shall go beyond the pro forma ownership of the business as reflected in the ownership documents. If the owners of the business who are non-minorities are disproportionately responsible for the operation and management of the business, then the firm is not controlled by minorities and shall not be considered a certifiable MBE."

How long does the certification process take?

The certification process can take up to 45 days depending on when the application is submitted and completeness of supporting documentation. 

What are NAICS Codes?

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is an industry classification system that groups' establishments into industry sectors based on the activities in which they are primarily engaged. The NAICS is a comprehensive system covering the entire field of economic activities, producing and non-producing. This system replaces the former Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) designations. Corporate America and local, state, and federal government entities use NAICS codes. You are required to identify your businesses' NAICS designation code. The NMSDC and corporate buying groups use NAICS codes to identify certified MBEs.

Where may I locate my business NAICS Code?

You may locate the NAICS code at your local public library or on the internet. The Website address is www.naics.com

Is a site visit required?  What if I have a home-based business?

A site visit is mandatory and conducted at the business headquarters during the review process of an application.  A site visit may be conducted at a home if the business is home-based.

How can I apply for certification if I do not have Internet access?

Since the certification application is only available online, you will need access to the Internet.  Internet access is available at public libraries and various copy centers.

What is the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)?

The National Minority Supplier Development Council is the nationwide certifying organization.  The Northern California Minority Supplier Development Council (NCMSDC) is an affiliate of NMSDC.

If I get certified through NCMSDC, am I certified through the National Minority Supplier Development Council? 

Yes, certification obtained through NCMSDC is valid throughout the United States. In some cases, a reciprocal certification may be necessary if you are required to hold a local certification for a particular contract or bid opportunity. 

Am I eligible to be certified if I recently started my business?

Yes, there is no restriction on how long a business has been in operation. 

How long is my certification valid?

Certification is valid for one year, from the date of certification month/year.

When do I have to recertify?

You must recertify by submitting a Recertification profile for your company one month prior to the expiration date or "anniversary date" on your current certificate.  We recommend you start the recertification process 30 to 60 days prior to your expiration date. 

Even though you may not receive a notice from us, you are responsible for the timely processing of your recertification.  Your anniversary date will not be "moved or changed."  Your company will be decertified the day after your expiration date.  You may find instructions on the recertification process under the "Certification" section of the website.

I have heard that NCMSDC frequently emails information to MBEs and Corporate Members.  Why have I not received any emails from NCMSDC?

NCMSDC uses email as its primary form of contact with MBEs and Corporate Members.  The email address used is the address provided to NCMSDC on the certification application.  This is why your company profile should always contain accurate contact information.  Update your profile today!

How do corporations search for suppliers in the NCMSDC database?

The NCMSDC database search function looks for matches in your profile's Description Paragraph and your NAICS Codes section.

Description Paragraph (Corporations search by keywords): Keyword searches scan your description paragraph for matches.  The more potential keywords you use, the more likely your company is to be found.  Add terms that a corporate member would commonly enter when searching for the products or services that you provide.  Limit: 500 characters.

NAICS Codes (Corporations search by NAICS codes): Make sure your codes are up-to-date and accurately reflect your products or services.  Limit: up to 10 NAICS codes.

For information on how to update your profile, please view our profile updating guidelines.

What documents should I submit with my application?

All businesses must provide the following:

• Fictitious Business Statement (if applicable)
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship (ex. drivers license, US Passport, birth certificate)
• Proof of Ethnicity for Owner(s), Partners, Shareholders ((ex. passport, birth certificate, other examples marriage license, parents birth certificate(s))
• Two Years of Federal Tax Returns (Business)*
• Financial Statements (P &L, statement of cash flows, balance sheet)
• Notes Payable (if any)
• Applicable Operating Business License and/or permits
• Lease Agreements
• Resume(s) of owner(s), partners or shareholders
• Equipment Rental and Purchase Agreements (if applicable)
• Contract or work history for the past three years (name/contract type of work performed or type of contract received, ex. include customer list, sample invoices/contracts).
• Equipment owned or available (including office equipment). Include description of equipment, year acquired, and current value
• Proof of Bonding Capacity/Insurance/General Liability (if applicable)
• Bank Signature Card (copy signature card or letter from bank stating company name, account number, and list of authorized signers).
• Indian/Native Americans Blood Degree Certificate (i.e. tribal registry letter, tribal roll register number) [if applicable]
• Non-refundable processing fee

                        *Personal taxes if in business less than 1 year