Minority, Women, Veteran and Small Business Certifications
LAINE assists private and public sector clients with federal, state and local government procurement compliance as it involves supplier diversity certifications. Our attorneys are able to offer strategic counsel on diversity certification as part of a broad range of procurement issues, using their experience at all levels of government to help clients achieve their business objectives. Our attorneys have a substantive understanding of government that enables us to advocate effectively for the business solutions our clients need. With this capability, we skillfully and efficiently represent our clients as they seek to navigate this complex forum.
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Full Service
Our services include helping clients secure diversity certifications for their own companies, or identify vendors and partners that meet certification standards that are required in a successful bid. Some of the certifications with which we assist include:
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Minority Business Enterprise (MBE): at least 51% owned by, and daily management and operations controlled by, at least one African American, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American owner
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Women Business Enterprise (WBE): at least 51% woman owned, and daily management and operations controlled by, at least one woman owner
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Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE): at least 51% owned by, and daily management and operations controlled by, at least one disabled individual
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Small Disadvantaged Enterprise (SBA 8(a)): DBE that meets certain Small Business Administration (SBA) size requirements
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Women Owned Small Business (WOSB): WBE that meets certain SBA size requirements
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Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB): At least 51% owned by, and daily management and operations are controlled by, a veteran of the U.S. armed forces, and also meeting certain SBA size requirements
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Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business (EDWOSB): A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens and who are economically disadvantaged by certain income and net worth measurements
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Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone): A small business hat is at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, with principal business office and 35% or more of employment in a historically underutilized business zone (which includes lands considered “Indian Country” and military facilities closed by the Base Realignment and Closure Act).
Strategic Advice
Our team handles all aspects of the certification process for businesses in these categories, as defined and required by governmental agencies throughout the country. We regularly help clients navigate certification complexities, helping them assess certification eligibility and providing strategic advice regarding best corporate practices. To ensure that our clients and/or their partners, meet certification requirements, LAINE's government procurement team provides advice regarding the necessary ownership and management structure for a successful certification application. We review the completed application, and supporting documents and exhibits, to ensure that all qualifications are met and documented. If problems arise we will assess any denial of the application by the reviewing agency and prepare an appeal.