Qualified businesses are certified as women, minority, LGBT, and/or persons with disabilities business enterprises as defined by General Order (GO) 156.
"Women Business Enterprise" (GO 156, Section 1.3.3) is a business at least 51% owned by one or more women, and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.
"Minority Business Enterprise" (GO 156, Section 1.3.4) is a business at least 51% owned by one or more minority individuals, and whose management and daily operations are controlled by one or more of those individuals. Recognized minorities include Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans, among others.
“LGBT Business Enterprise” (GO 156, Section 1.3.5) is a business at least 51% owned by a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender person or persons and whose management and daily operations are controlled by one or more of those individuals.
"Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprise" (GO 156. Section 1.3.6) is a business at least 51% owned by a person or persons with a disability, and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of those individuals.
If you are interested in certification and believe your company qualifies as a women, minority, LGBT, and/or persons with disabilities business, carefully read our General Information and Application, before submitting a complete, signed and notarized verification application with all required documents to the clearinghouse office. Reading the Supplier Clearinghouse “Questions and Answers” section will also be helpful.
Please note : CPUC's Supplier Diversity Program does not accept applications directly. To apply, visit the Supplier Clearinghouse website.
The clearinghouse also accepts women, minority, LGBT, and/or persons with disabilities business certification from agencies with comparable verification criteria.
If your current clearinghouse certification is expiring, submit a reverification application.
Upon receipt of a completed application package, the clearinghouse operator examines the material for evidence of diverse status, as well as company ownership, management and control. A site visit is sometimes necessary to make a conclusive determination. Certification is limited to United States citizens or legal aliens.