• Question Mark IconWhere can I get a copy of the EBO Ordinance?
    Answer:

    ​This document may be obtained from the Office of Equal Business Opportunity by calling 561-616-6840 or you may download the document here.


  • Question Mark IconHow long does the certification process take
    Answer:

    The certification process, including recertification, can take up to 90 business days from the date OEBO receives a complete application package. Expediting the process is available for a fee of $300.00. In order to expedite an application, there must be an upcoming bid/project 20 days out from bid due date.


  • Question Mark IconDoes Palm Beach County accept certification from other agencies?
    Answer:
    ​When a procurement is governed by the State of Florida CCNA statute, Palm Beach County will accept M/WBE certification from the State of Florida. The CCNA statute applies to those companies licensed by the Florida Department of Professional Regulations. Providers of professional services must be CCNA certified by the County Engineering Department prior to obtaining certification from OEBO. CCNA certification applications may be obtained on-line at CCNA or by calling 561-684-4154.


  • Question Mark IconHow do I become a registered vendor?
    Answer:

    ​Vendor registration can be obtained online at discover.pbcgov.com/purchasing (Purchasing Department) or
    by calling the Purchasing Department at 561-616-6800.


  • Question Mark IconMust I be certified to do business with Palm Beach County?
    Answer:

    ​No.  Any vendor can bid on Palm Beach County procurement opportunities.


  • Question Mark IconWhat are the advantages of certification?
    Answer:
    1. A minimum mandatory 20% SBE goal on all Palm Beach County contracts;
    2. Certified SBE’s are eligible to receive a 10% price preference on specified County
      solicitations;
    3. An Affirmative Procurement Initiative plan, designed to encourage equitable utilization and greater participation of certified S/M/WBE businesses;
    4. Certified vendors are listed in the OEBO on-line directory, which can be a useful marketing tool

  • Question Mark IconWhat are the eligibility criteria for small business certification?
    Answer:
    1. The business must be registered as a vendor with the Palm Beach County Purchasing Department (Vendor Self-Service System) – which includes the input of the correct commodity codes representing the service(s) the business performs;
    2. The business must be domiciled with a significant business presence in Palm Beach County (virtual offices that only provide mail and meeting services are not defined as a domicile);
    3. Gross receipts (found on the business’ tax returns), averaged over the three most recent years can be no more than:
      • $9 million (Construction);
      • $5 million (Goods);
      • $5 million (Professional Services –CCNA required);
      • $4 million (Professional Services –Non CCNA);
      • $4 million (Other Services);
    4. The business must be independently owned and operated
    5. The company must provide a commercially useful business function for Palm Beach County procurement purposes

  • Question Mark IconHow do I complete an OEBO Schedule 1 through 4?
    Answer:

    ​OEBO Schedules are a part of responsiveness to Palm Beach County bids.  A complete instruction guide on how to complete all Schedules can be found in the Documents tab of this website. OEBO Schedules Training Guide​ 


  • Question Mark IconHow can I apply for certification online?
    Answer:

    The Online SMWBE Application Process Instructions guide is available on our website in PDF format under the Documents tab.  Click the link to access it.  Online Application Instructions​​