Obtaining Certification

Obtaining Certification

The University of Pittsburgh accepts Disadvantaged, Minority-owned, Woman-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ-owned, and HUBZone certifications from several certifying organizations. Contact each resource directly for instructions and more information.

List of Certifying Organizations

  • Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program (PA UCP)
    • Free, public, DBE certification administered locally through Allegheny County Department of Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
    •  Visit PA UCP Certification
  • National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
  • SBA 8(a) certification run by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
    • This certification is for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities
    • Visit certify.SBA.gov
  • WOSB
  • Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
  • LGBTQ-owned business
    • Certification managed through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
    • Visit nglcc.org
  • Service Disabled Veteran or Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB/VOSB)
    • Vets First Verification Program run by the Department of Veteran Affairs
    • Visit va.gov
  • HUBZone
    • Historically Underutilized Business Zone certification for businesses in economically depressed communities administered by the SBA
    • Visit certify.sba.gov
  • Regional Public Certifying Agency: if your company is based outside of Allegheny County, we suggest contacting your city, county, or state department of transportation authorities for information about public certification programs.