Austin has one of the few big-city MBE/WBE programs in Texas that is still fully active, plus the State of Texas, Travis County, CapMetro and UT Austin buying in the same city. As a government contracting consultant for Austin small businesses, GERC handles registration, certification and bids. We serve Austin clients remotely from California.
City of Austin certification
The City’s Small and Minority Business Resources (SMBR) department certifies firms. In November 2025 the City confirmed that state HUB changes do not affect its MBE/WBE program.
- MBE, WBE, DBE and ACDBE certification, plus SBE for construction firms
- Owner personal net worth must be under $2,434,885, and the firm must have been in Texas at least 90 days
- Certification lasts four years
- Register as a vendor in Austin Finance Online first, then apply at austintexas.mwdbe.com
For DBE work, U.S. DOT finalized its new DBE rules on September 25, 2026. There is no longer a presumption of disadvantage based on race or sex: every applicant must submit a personal narrative showing individual disadvantage and a personal net worth statement, and certifying agencies must re-evaluate existing DBE firms by December 24, 2026.
Other Austin buyers
- Texas state agencies: CMBL registration and ESBD bids
- Travis County: bids on BidNet, free to register
- CapMetro: bids on PlanetBids
- Austin Energy and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (City departments)
- UT Austin and other state universities, which follow state purchasing and HUB rules
How GERC helps Austin businesses win
- Registrations: SAM.gov, Austin Finance Online, the CMBL, BidNet and PlanetBids
- Certifications: City MBE/WBE/SBE, DBE and SBA programs
- Bid targeting and bid writing services
Example: how an Austin marketing firm would get started
This is an illustration of our process, not a client story.
A woman-owned marketing firm in East Austin wants public outreach contracts. We register it in Austin Finance Online and apply for City WBE certification, then register it on the CMBL for state agency work and on PlanetBids for CapMetro. We track communications and outreach bids, and prepare a capability statement it can send to prime contractors who need certified subcontractors.
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin’s MBE/WBE program still active?
Yes. As of 2026 the City of Austin continues to certify MBE and WBE firms, separate from the state HUB changes.
How do I register as a City of Austin vendor?
Register in Austin Finance Online. That registration is also the first step for City certification.
How long does City of Austin certification last?
Four years.
Who can help my Austin business with government contracts?
GERC (Global Economic Research Consulting), a woman-owned small business, handles registrations, certifications and bids for Austin firms. SAM.gov registration starts at $899. Call (909) 454-7076 or book a consultation.
Win government contracts in Austin
Book a free 15-minute readiness call and we will map the registrations, certifications and bids that fit your business.
Related: Texas · Texas HUB Certification · Texas CMBL and ESBD · SAM.gov Registration · DBE Certification · Bid Writing Services