Listening, Learning & Responding to the HUB Community
The University of Houston (UH) HUB Operations Department (HOD) continues its strong commitment to the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) community by taking action through effective programs and other initiatives to promote the inclusion of HUB vendors in university procurements. Leading UH’s HUB Operations is Director Dr. Linelle Clark. Dr. Clark and her team ensure the HUB Program remains compliant with state HUB laws, assist UH departments in locating HUB vendors, and offer HUBs assistance to facilitate access and contracting opportunities.
One of the top reasons why the UH HOD stands out among other HUB programs is the attitude to continuously improve. This mindset starts at the top with Dr. Clark and is in the heart of the entire team to successfully connect HUBs with UH for lucrative opportunities to drive the small business community’s growth and development.
“There is always room for improvement. Our team has an ever-learning approach to help us meet and exceed the university’s HUB goals. Though the HOD is recognized and award-winning, we are never complacent but know that to keep this program results-driven, strategic, and effective for HUBs, we must have a mentality to always improve. This can only be accomplished if we listen, learn, and respond to our HUB community,” says Dr. Clark.
This standard of excellence in identifying areas where new strategies can be implemented drives the department’s programs and successes to increase procurement opportunities for HUBs.
UH is committed to acting affirmatively to increase HUB participation including departments purchasing from state-fully certified HUBs whenever possible irrespective of the funding source or dollar level of purchases in accordance with the UH System’s (UHS) purchasing guidelines.
UH’s approach to meeting or exceeding the state’s HUB goals includes the following strategies:
- Familiarizing HUBs with the procurement process and expanding the number of suppliers and contractors through outreach events and partnerships.
- Creating new business opportunities along with supporting the growth and development of HUBs through partnerships, classes, and educational programs.
- Heighten awareness throughout UHS of HUB capabilities through a database of HUB profiles, forums, fairs, and other events.
- Improvement of business conditions encountered by HUBs through events and partnerships.
Q&A With Dr. Clark:
What is one of the top challenges you see HUBs face today, and how is your department helping them overcome these challenges?
While it is wonderful that HUBs are seeking opportunities as Prime Contractors on UH projects and/or non-construction procurements, some are challenged in being prepared to comply with solicitation and selection requirements. For example, when a UH solicitation requires a Historically Underutilized Business Subcontracting Plan (HSP), this requirement applies to all businesses regardless of HUB status. All businesses responding as a Prime Contractor are encouraged to take advantage of the Courtesy HSP review as prescribed within applicable solicitations (i.e., where HUB Subcontracting has been deemed probable). HUB is 10% of the evaluation process for UH construction projects valued at $100,000 and greater. It is important to clearly respond to the HUB-related questions within the solicitation. A HUB score really can impact the selection process. Our team is always available to support HUBs when questions or concerns arise during the process to help them overcome any challenges when it comes to compliance.
Are there any new updates in the HUB Strategic Plan that you have wanted to mention since last year?
While the pandemic for the most part is in the rearview mirror, conducting business virtually at least for the UH HUB Department is here to stay. The HUB Strategic Plan has been modified to reflect the use of technology, specifically Zoom as the preferred method of conducting numerous outreach events. To help HUBs succeed in the virtual space, our June 8th UH Systems HUB Forum will include a session titled, “Successfully Presenting Your Business Virtually.”
Can you provide a real-life example of how you have seen your program benefit HUBs?
In FY22, HUB expenditures increased by $52 million across all UHS components. More importantly, in FY22 UH spending in the building and construction category was $45,888,644 resulting in 34.52% spend with HUBs. The 34.52% HUB goal attainment is 13.42% above the mandated building and construction goal of 21.10%.
Please provide detail on some of the strategies below that help HOD meet and exceed UH’s supplier diversity goals.
Procurement Process & Compliance — For competitive purchases of $15,000 or more, UH staff are required to make a good-faith effort to obtain bids from at least two HUB vendors.
Outreach & Education — Supports our efforts to foster the operational development of HUBs with the potential for creating long-term relationships.
HUB Vendor Database — Allows UH staff to easily locate vendors and request quotes.
Targeted Vendor Fair — Provides vendors that provide priority products and services with the opportunity to make presentations directly to UH staff with purchasing authority.
UH System (University of Houston Main, UH-Downtown, UH-Clear Lake, and UH-Victoria) HUB Forum — Provides an opportunity for vendors to meet with a plethora of state agencies regarding contracting opportunities.
HUB Capacity Building Construction Management Talent Pipeline Program — Increases the construction industry’s talent pool by providing HUBs with the knowledge to help them be more competitive as prime contractors for construction work, including UH construction projects.
Staff Engagement — HUB staff routinely meet with UH Colleges’ business representatives to discuss expenditures and missed opportunities to contract with HUBs.
Ready, Willing & Able — Helps create an environment where participants who do not know each other meet and communicate detailed information (e.g., HUBs share knowledge and experience, and general contractors share tips on submission of a successful bid).
“In addition to the HOD’s traditional support, there are programs, resources, and many other initiatives available to provide HUBs with a winning chance to do business with UH,” Dr. Clark said. “We will remain committed to HUBs and continually seek to improve our internal and external outreach, creating new programs, re-imagining existing programs, and eliminating programs that are not effective. As the HOD seeks to identify and respond to gaps in services, I’m confident that our efforts will further increase contracting for HUBs,” she added.
