Small Business Procurement Program
The Office of State Procurement (OSP) operates a program for Targeted Group, Economically Disadvantaged and Veteran-Owned small businesses.
Businesses eligible to participate in this program must first of all be Minnesota-based small businesses.
In 2015, OSP adopted variable size standards by industry as set by the US Department of Transportation in order to determine what is a small business.
The commissioner of Administration periodically designates businesses that are majority-owned and operated by women, persons with a substantial physical disability, or specific minorities as targeted group businesses within purchasing categories as determined by the commissioner.
Targeted Group Business
The commissioner of Administration periodically designates businesses that are majority-owned and operated by women, persons with a substantial physical disability, or specific minorities as targeted group businesses within purchasing categories as determined by the commissioner.
Economically Disadvantaged
To be certified as an Economically Disadvantaged small business, the business must be located (or the owner must reside) in an Economically Disadvantaged Area in Minnesota. These areas include labor surplus areas, as designated by the federal government, and low-income counties in Minnesota. Economically Disadvantaged small businesses must be certified as such by OSP in order to participate in the program.
Veteran-owned Businesses
To be certified as a Veteran-Owned small business, the business must be at least 51% owned by a veteran or service-disabled veteran as determined by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition, the business must be operated and controlled on a day-to-day as well as long-term basis by the qualifying owner. In other words, ownership is not enough; operational control is also required.
Small Business Program Application
To be certified, businesses must complete the Small Business Program Application and all required documents.
Size Requirements
OSP has adopted variable size standards by industry as set by the US Department of Transportation in order to determine what is a small business.