§ 3905.02. Certification.

ODI shall be responsible for the certification and verification of M/WBE businesses. To be eligible for certification, each applicant must meet the definition of Minority-Owned Business or Women-Owned business as defined herein.

(A)

If requested by ODI, the applicant must provide any and all materials and information necessary to demonstrate ownership and active participation in the control, operation, and management of the business.

(B)

ODI will review and evaluate any application and support documentation, and may reject the application based on one or more of the following: the applicant does not meet the requirements of the definition of a certified business; the application is not complete; the application contains false information; or the applicant has not provided materials or information requested by the ODI director or designee.

(C)

The director will make a certification determination within 30 days after the date the city receives a satisfactorily completed application from the applicant. If certification is denied, the director will notify the applicant in writing and specify the reason(s) for denial.

(D)

Firms certified by other government agencies will be required to be certified under this chapter regardless of other certification. However, the ODI director may provide rules, regulations and other provisions for an expedited or summary process for certification by the city if the business has a current certification from agencies/organizations specifically identified by the ODI director.

In addition, the ODI shall provide for the following:

(A)

A comprehensive certification system that is regularly updated and an on-line listing of certified businesses segmented into specific trades or lines of business (for each type of goods, services and construction purchased or contracted by the city).

(B)

Recertification of those businesses at least every three years.

(C)

Random on-site visits to verify ownership and control and compliance with certification requirements.

(D)

Decertification of any previously certified M/WBE upon a final determination that the firm is no longer satisfying the certification requirements. Any decertified M/WBE may appeal the determination of the ODI in accordance with the appeals procedure provided in this code.

(E)

Graduation of certified firms that exceeded the revenue or size standards.

(Ord. No. 3025-2016 , § 6, 12-12-2016)