Nevada ESB Certification and Bid Preferences: Status and What to Do

What it is

Nevada does not run its own MBE or WBE certification. The Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) certifies Emerging Small Businesses (ESB) under NRS 231.1401 to 231.1408. GOED sets ESB goals for state purchasing and public works under $100,000. State bids also carry two self-certified preferences: for Nevada-based businesses and for local businesses owned and operated by veterans with a service-connected disability.

What changed

The Nevada Revised Statutes show 2025 amendments to the Nevada-based preference (NRS 333.3354), the veteran preference (NRS 333.3366) and the lowest-bidder rule (NRS 333.340). The 2025 session also repealed NRS 333.33695, an "inverse preference" section (chapter 373, Statutes of Nevada 2025). The NRS page does not explain what changed or the effective dates. The percentages below are from the current text.

Who qualifies

• ESB: in business and run for profit, principal place of business in Nevada, and licensed and registered in Nevada. Out-of-state firms do not qualify.
• ESB Tier 1: up to 20 employees, and average annual gross receipts up to $1.7 million for construction or $700,000 for goods and other services.
• ESB Tier 2: up to 30 employees, and up to $3.5 million for construction or $1.3 million for other work. Both tiers are measured over the 3 years before you apply. Owners do not count as employees.
• Nevada-based preference: the business certifies that its principal place of business is in Nevada, or that most goods under the contract are produced in Nevada.
• Veteran preference: a local business (same Nevada test) owned and operated by a veteran with a service-connected disability, as defined in NRS 338.

What it means for your bids

• ESB: GOED calls it a marketing tool. Its page lists no preference or set-aside. For purchases of $50,000 or less, the Purchasing Division must notify GOED as well as at least three suppliers (NRS 333.300).
• Nevada-based: a commodity bid is treated as 5% lower. A service proposal score is treated as 5% higher.
• Veteran-owned local business: on formal contracts and some independent contractor contracts, the bid is treated as 5% lower.
• The two preferences can be combined with each other but not with other preferences. The Nevada-based preference does not apply to multistate procurements or to federally funded contracts unless federal law allows it.
• False claims bring penalties, up to a permanent bar from the veteran preference.

How to get certified

1. ESB: apply online through GOED: https://goed.nv.gov/programs/emerging-small-business-esb/. Applying and renewing are free. GOED issues a decision within 90 days.
2. ESB certification lasts 2 years, through the end of the month it was issued or renewed. Keep your contact details current with GOED.
3. Register in NEVADAePro to see and bid on state solicitations, and with the State Controller's Office to get paid. Help: 775-684-0176 option 1, NevadaEPro@admin.nv.gov.
4. Claim the Nevada-based or veteran preference as each solicitation directs. The Purchasing Division may set the method by regulation (NRS 333.3356). Its vendor registration page does not explain it.

Watch out for

• Federal DBE (highway and transit work) is a separate program.
• GOED encourages local governments to set their own ESB goals. Read each solicitation.
• Free help: Nevada APEX Accelerator advisors at 775-687-9903 (Carson City) or 702-486-2700 (Las Vegas).

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Sources

• goed.nv.gov/programs/emerging-small-business-esb/
• www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-231.html
• www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-333.html
• www.purchasing.nv.gov/vendors/vendorsregistration/
• www.purchasing.nv.gov/vendors/
• purchasing.nv.gov/

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.