Delaware Office of Supplier Diversity Certification: Status and What to Do

What it is

The Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD), in the state Division of Small Business, certifies diverse and small businesses. Diverse types are Minority (MBE), Women (WBE), Veteran-Owned (VOBE), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOBE) and Individual with DisAbility-Owned (IWDBE). The size-based type is Small Business Focus (SBF). OSD says certification does not create a state contract and is not required to sell to the state. Its main use is a listing in the state's online directory, which agencies use for smaller purchases that are not advertised.

Who qualifies

• Diverse firms: for-profit, at least 51% owned, controlled and actively managed by U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the qualifying group. The diverse owner must hold the top officer title (such as CEO or President) and any required license.
• Small Business Focus: for-profit, not majority owned or controlled by a larger business, and under the size cap for its sector, using three-year averages. Examples: construction under 250 FTEs and under $7 million gross sales; service under 50 FTEs and under $3.5 million; retail under 25 FTEs and under $3.5 million.
• Out-of-state firms: eligible, but must first be certified in their home state if that state has a state-level program. Home state means headquarters or main office, not where you formed the company. A Delaware registered agent does not count.
• OSD accepts NMSDC, WBENC or VetBiz certification in place of home-state certification for out-of-state diverse applicants.
• Out-of-state firms already doing work in Delaware need a Delaware business license.
• Reciprocity: firms certified by DelDOT, MDOT, the PA UCP, SBA, NMSDC, WBENC, VetBiz or the City of Wilmington can fill out a shorter application by attaching current certificates.

What it means for your bids

• Certified firms are listed in the state's online directory.
• Agencies are encouraged to use the directory for purchases under the formal bid threshold.
• OSD's policy and FAQ pages do not describe set-asides, contract goals or price preferences for state-funded contracts.
• The listing can also help with business-to-business and subcontracting work.

How to get certified

1. Review the eligibility policy (revised February 2025): https://osd.delaware.gov/uploads/OSD%20Certification%20Policies%20and%20Eligibility%20Requirements.pdf
2. Gather documents using OSD's checklist, including a copy of any required license.
3. Apply online through the OSD portal: https://osd.delaware.gov/
4. Cost: OSD's FAQ says there is no application fee.
5. Processing usually takes four to six weeks once the application is complete. OSD may schedule a site visit.
6. Certification lasts three years. Send your recertification 60 days before it expires. Firms that miss the deadline are removed from the directory, and firms expired more than 60 days must reapply.

Watch out for

• Certification alone does not win work. Market directly to agency buyers.
• OSD may close applications when firms do not respond to requests.
• Federal DBE is a separate program run through DelDOT.
• The City of Wilmington runs its own certification.
• Free help: OSD at osd@delaware.gov or (302) 577-8477.

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Sources

• osd.delaware.gov/
• osd.delaware.gov/uploads/OSD%20Certification%20Policies%20and%20Eligibility%20Requirem
• osd.delaware.gov/Home/FrequentlyAskedQuestions
• gss.omb.delaware.gov/osd/certify.shtml

FindMyBids isn't affiliated with any certifying agency, and this isn't legal advice. Status can change quickly with court orders and new laws, so confirm with the program office before you rely on it.