Local Business Certification Information
On March 9, 2011, the Tallahassee City Commission approved a new local Business Certification Program in an effort to promote the utilization and participation of local businesses in City procurement activities. The Local Business Certification Program is currently a one year pilot program that provides a preference to businesses located in Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson and Wakulla counties. Local businesses who are certified through the program, may receive a preference in City bids and contracting opportunities ranging from 10 to 20 percent.
To obtain a Local Business Certification application or for more information about the City of Tallahassee Local Business Certification Program, please visit our website or contact the City of Tallahassee's Procurement Services Office at (850) 891-8280.
How to become certified as a Local Business?
Click here to download the local business certification application.
(This form is in Adobe PDF format and requires Adobe Acrobat reader to view and print.)
Completed Local Business Certifcation applications must be sent to :
City of Tallahassee Procurement Services/Vendor Certification Program
300 S. Adams Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Or faxed to:
(850) 891-8796
Thank you for your interest in our new Local Business Certification program with the City of Tallahassee. Our goal is to provide you information and the tools to become certified as a "Local Business" with us.
For more information, please call our Procurement Services department at (850) 891-8280.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of certifications does the City offer my local business?
A local business can apply to the City for one of the following certifications:
- Local Business Enterprise ("LBE") Certification
LBE Certification is available only to businesses whose permanent place of business is a fixed office in Leon County, at which location the business conducts, on a regular basis, all of the services and activities performed in carrying out the business responsibilities.
- Extended Local Business Enterprise ("ELBE") Certification
ELBE Certification is available only to businesses whose permanent place of business is a fixed office in Gadsden, Jefferson or Wakulla Counties, at which location the business conducts, on a regular basis, all of the services and activities performed in carrying out the business responsibilities.
What are the other requirements that shall also be applied in determining whether or not a business meets the requirements of a local business enterprise under this program?
- Storage of Company Equipment: Any equipment owned by the business that is required for the business to conduct its operations must be warehoused or stored within Leon County (for a LBE) or within Gadsden, Jefferson or Wakulla Counties (for an ELBE).
- Storage of Trucking & Hauling Vehicles: Businesses that provide trucking and hauling services must park their registered vehicles and trailers within Leon County (for a LBE) or within Gadsden, Jefferson or Wakulla Counties (for an ELBE) when not on a job site.
- Exception for Suppliers: Although suppliers are required to maintain a fixed office in Leon County (for a LBE) or within Gadsden, Jefferson or Wakulla Counties (for an ELBE), that office need not be the suppliers' primary place of business. However, suppliers must maintain a warehouse in Leon County (for a LBE) or within Gadsden, Jefferson or Wakulla Counties (for an ELBE) that is continuously stocked with inventory consistent with their certification.
- Minimum of Six Months of Continuous Operations: The business must have been continuously operating from its fixed office location in Leon County for at least six months prior to the submittal of an application for certification.
- Joint Ventures: For the purpose of this program, a local business joint venture shall be defined as a joint business association of a certified local business and a non-certified business, formed to carry on a single business activity which is limited in scope and duration. The certified local business shall represent a minimum of 25% of this association and shall share in both the profit and liabilities resulting from the joint venture, proportionate to the percentage participation it represents. A certified Joint Venture agreement, signed by all parties must be submitted with the appropriate procurement documents at the time of bidding.
How will certification under this Program affect my certification and participation as a MBE?
A business can be certified both as a MBE and as a LBE or ELBE; however, for purposes of evaluation of a bid or proposal or award of a contract, the business can be considered with respect to only one goal or preference (i.e., either MBE or LBE/EBLE), but not both.
Why should I become certified as a LBE or ELBE if I am already registered as a City Vendor?
Becoming certified is NOT the same thing as becoming registered as a City vendor. In fact, virtually any business seeking to contract with the City can register as a City vendor, regardless of what services that business offers or where it is located. In contrast, certification as a LBE or ELBE requires that a business meet the criteria for participation in the Program and allows the certified business to take advantage of the benefits of the Program.
What happens during the certification process?
Once an applicant has submitted the application and all appropriate supporting documentation, certification review will be completed within ten (10) working days and the following procedures will apply:
- The Local Business Certification Application, Affidavit and supporting documents will be logged in as appropriate. Applications will not be processed until all documents are received. Those applications which require further documentation will be returned for completion.
- The application will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy. All information shall be verified through telephone contact, site visits, verification of business licenses with appropriate entities, or other appropriate means.
- When appropriate a personal interview may be scheduled with the business principles to discuss if the applicant meets the criteria established in the program definitions and guidelines.
What obligations do I have once my business is certified?
Certified businesses are required to notify the City in writing or via e-mail of any changes (such as changes in average annual gross receipts, ownership, control and location, telephone and fax numbers, licenses and work category) that impact the requirements for certification or the information set forth in the application filed by the business. The business may also be required to submit periodic report. Also, the vendor is responsible for responding to all applicable bids.
What preferences will be given to local businesses in making purchases or awarding contracts?
Twenty percent (20%) of the total cost will be given to all Certified Local Business Enterprises (LBE-Leon).
Ten percent (10%) of the total cost will be given to all Certified Extended Local Business Enterprises (ELBE-Gadsden, Jefferson, & Wakulla)
Twenty percent (20%) of the total cost will be given to all Certified Extended Local Business Enterprises (ELBE-Gadsden, Jefferson, & Wakulla) who are City of Tallahassee utility customers per City Commission on June 22, 2011.
For Joint ventures where the certified local business percentage participation represents:
- 60% or more, the joint venture shall receive the full preference amount
- Those ventures between 25% -60%, the joint venture shall receive half of the allotted preference (10% for LBEs and 5% for ELBEs)
- Those under 25% will not be allotted a preference