Code of Massachusetts Regulations 425 CMR - STATE OFFICE OF MINORITY AND WOMEN BUSINESS ASSISTANCE (SOMBWA)
The Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) Title 425 pertains to the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO), previously known as the State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOMWBA). This office operates under the Executive Office for Administration and Finance and is responsible for certifying diverse business enterprises in Massachusetts.(casetext.com, law.cornell.edu)
📘 Overview of 425 CMR
425 CMR 2.00 specifically governs the certification process for businesses seeking recognition as diverse entities. The regulation outlines the criteria, procedures, and responsibilities associated with obtaining and maintaining certification. It is based on Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 7, Sections 57 through 61. (law.cornell.edu)
📝 Key Components of 425 CMR 2.00
Certification Categories: The SDO certifies businesses in various categories, including:
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE)
Portuguese Business Enterprise (PBE)
Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE)
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (SDVOBE)
Minority Non-Profit Organization (MNPO)
Women Non-Profit Organization (WNPO)
Veteran Non-Profit Organization (VNPO)
Other categories as established by law or executive order. (mass.gov, mass.gov, regulations.justia.com)
Certification Criteria: To qualify for certification, a business must demonstrate that it is at least 51% owned and controlled by individuals from the specified diverse groups. The business must also be an ongoing, independent entity with the ability to perform the work for which it seeks certification. (mass.gov)
Application Process: Businesses interested in certification must attend a mandatory, two-hour pre-certification workshop. Following the workshop, they can submit their application through the SDO portal. The certification process may take between 30 to 60 days after submission of a complete application. (mass.gov)
Recertification and Renewal: Certified entities are required to undergo recertification periodically to ensure they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. The regulation specifies the procedures and timelines for recertification and renewal. (regulations.justia.com)
Appeals Process: If a business disagrees with a certification decision, it has the right to appeal. The regulation outlines the process for filing and handling appeals. (regulations.justia.com)
📥 Accessing the Regulations
You can view and download the full text of 425 CMR 2.00 from the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries website: (mass.gov)(mass.gov)
For official printed versions, the Massachusetts Bookstore offers copies for purchase: (sec.state.ma.us)
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