IN.gov - Skip Navigation

Note: This message is displayed if (1) your browser is not standards-compliant or (2) you have you disabled CSS. Read our Policies for more information.

IDOA > MWBE > Certify Your Business > Out-of-State Firms: Certification Steps Out-of-State Firms: Certification Steps

Notice of MWBE Policy Change: Out-of-State Reciprocal Certification Program
Policy effective February 16, 2009

Based on the outcome of the Governor’s Commission meeting held on January 12, 2009, the MWBE office will only consider applications from out-of-state companies that are based in a state that recognizes Indiana certifications. The new procedures require the MWBE office to not accept applications for certification from states that disallow like certification to Indiana certified minority- or women-owned businesses.

The following states do allow Indiana based businesses to apply for certification; therefore, firms based in these states may be considered for certification through the State of Indiana’s Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises Division.

Alabama, Delaware, Kansas, Kentucky, Oregon, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Missouri, Tennessee, New Jersey, Virginia, New York, Washington, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Rhode Island.

Only those states listed above are eligible to participate in Indiana’s MWBE certification program.

  • View Certification Application

  • Obtain a Bidder Registration Number by registering with the Indiana Department of Administration Procurement Division. Your Bidder Registration Number will create a unique identifier for your company in the State’s system, allow you to log on to the State’s website to maintain your profile and access important information.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE)

Effective February 16, 2009, The Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises Division will not consider Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification.

National Programs

Indiana’s Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises Division does not accept certifications from national programs.

Eligible out-of-state firms must meet the following standards of certification.

  1. Effective February 16, 2009, an out-of-state MBE and/or WBE business must be domiciled in one of the aforementioned states. 
  2. At a minimum, applications from out-of-state MBE and/or WBE enterprises must meet State of Indiana requirements 25 IAC 5-3-7 (pdf).
  3. Out-of-state firms must have equivalent certification from an acceptable and recognizable state government agency in their home state. Proof must be provided. City, county, commission and council certifications do not fulfill this requirement.
  4. Upon verification of home state certification, the MWBE Division will request a copy of the state certifying agency on-site report.   This on-site must be dated within three years of application submittal to the MWBE Division.

Applications that do not include all items listed above will not meet the standards of certification as an MBE or WBE in the State of Indiana and will not be considered for certification. The Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises division reserves the right to grant or deny certification in accordance with these terms.

Indiana Border States – Quick Reference

Illinois


Central Management Services is recognized as the official MBE/WBE certifying agency for the State of Illinois. As part of their application, all Illinois firms must provide a copy of the Illinois certification conducted by CMS (i.e., the same certifying agency that awarded the certification). CMS onsite documentation must be dated within the last three years.


Effective February 16, 2009, businesses that are certified as DBEs through the Illinois Department of Transportation may not apply for MWBE certification with the State of Indiana.


IDOA’s MWBE Division does not accept on-site reports from the City of Chicago, PACE, Metra, Chicago Transit Authority or the Chicago Minority Business Development Council (CMBDC).


Kentucky


 As of January 28, 2011, Kentucky may be considered for certification through the State of Indiana's Minority  & Women's Business Enterprises Division.


Ohio


Ohio does not recognize Indiana based firms for certification through the Ohio Department of Administration (OHDAS). We are unable to accept any Ohio companies for Indiana certification as of February 16, 2009.


Effective February 16, 2009, businesses that are certified as DBEs through the Ohio Department of Transportation may not apply for MWBE certification with the State of Indiana


Michigan


Michigan does not have a state certification program. We are unable to accept any Michigan companies for Indiana certification.

Updated  1/28/11


Stay Connected

You are leaving the IN.gov website. By clicking OK, you will be taken to a website that is not affiliated with the State of Indiana and may have different privacy and security policies. The State of Indiana is not responsible for, and does not endorse, guarantee, or monitor content, availability, viewpoints, products, or services that are offered or expressed on this non IN.gov portal website.