Missouri MBE/WBE and Veteran Certification: Status and What to Do

What it is

The Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO), part of the Missouri Office of Administration, certifies minority-owned (MBE), women-owned (WBE), service-disabled veteran-owned (SDVE) and honorably discharged veteran-owned (HDVE) businesses. The Division of Purchasing says some state procurements "will offer evaluation scoring consideration" to bidders who propose certified MBE, WBE or SDVE participation. For veteran firms, the state's goal is 3% of contracts, with a 3-point bonus on qualifying bids.

Who qualifies

• MBE/WBE: at least 51% owned, controlled and operated by minorities or women who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The owner must have the needed expertise and run daily operations. For-profit businesses only.
• The business must be registered with the Missouri Secretary of State. Out-of-state applicants must also be registered in their home state. OEO reviews each out-of-state application on its own. Certification in another state does not make you certified in Missouri.
• The OEO pages do not state size or personal net worth limits.
• SDVE/HDVE: at least 51% owned by service-disabled or honorably discharged veterans who control daily and long-term decisions. The business must do business as a Missouri firm or keep a Missouri office or place of business.
• Firms certified by another Missouri agency still apply to OEO, through its Rapid Response Process.

What it means for your bids

• You do not need certification to bid on state contracts or to work as a subcontractor.
• On procurements that score participation, primes can meet it directly or by partnering with certified firms.
• Primes must file monthly MBE/WBE participation reports when their contract requires it.
• Veterans: a qualified SDVE or HDVE gets 3 bonus points on bids for any job or service (with exceptions under 1 CSR 40-1.050). An HDVE cannot collect both veteran bonuses.
• The Division of Purchasing posts upcoming bids with MBE/WBE and SDVE scoring so firms can team early.

How to get certified

1. Take the self-check: https://oeo.mo.gov/am-i-ready-to-apply/
2. Create a MoLogin account, then start the application from the OEO home page: https://oeo.mo.gov/. Upload your documents.
3. A specialist reviews it and schedules an onsite visit with the owners (about 15 to 30 minutes).
4. Cost: OEO's FAQ says there is no application fee. Processing for Missouri-based firms takes about 60 to 90 days.
5. File a yearly update to stay certified. OEO sends reminders 60 and 30 days ahead.
6. Veterans: email the Missouri Veteran Business Enterprise application to OEO.VeteranCertification@oa.mo.gov. Renew every three years: https://oeo.mo.gov/veteran-certification-program/
7. Register in MissouriBUYS to see state bids: https://missouribuys.mo.gov/

Watch out for

• Executive Order 25-18 (February 18, 2025) bans DEI-based hiring and DEI spending in executive agencies. It does not mention MBE/WBE certification or procurement, and no 2025 or 2026 order we found rescinds the program.
• If OEO denies you, your status is revoked right away, even during an appeal.
• Kansas City and other local governments run separate city programs with their own rules.
• Federal DBE (MoDOT highway and transit work) is a separate program.
• Free help: oeo@oa.mo.gov, or the Division of Purchasing at 573-751-2387.

Programs in other states →

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Sources

• oeo.mo.gov/
• oeo.mo.gov/am-i-ready-to-apply/
• oeo.mo.gov/how-to-become-certified/
• oeo.mo.gov/mbe-wbe-certification-program/faqs/
• oeo.mo.gov/veteran-certification-program/
• oeo.mo.gov/disparity-study/
• oa.mo.gov/purchasing/vendor-information/mbewbe-and-sdve-information
• purch.oa.mo.gov/bidding-and-contracts-bidding/upcoming-mbewbe-and-sdve-subcontracting
• www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2025
• www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2025/eo18
• www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2026

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.