Use the SBE and MBE Spending Allocation Goal Search Tool to identify the applicable three-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and the corresponding SBE and MBE Spending Allocation Goals for your purchase. The search tool maps State of Connecticut account codes and descriptions to the applicable three-digit NAICS codes.

• Review the account codes or descriptions in the search tool and identify the one that best represents the primary purpose of the purchase.
  • If the purchase includes multiple products or services, select the description that best reflects the primary purpose.
  • If you cannot identify an appropriate account code description, review the three-digit NAICS categories and select the industry that would typically provide the primary product or service.
• Locate the corresponding NAICS code, SBE goal, and MBE goal in the chart.

After identifying the applicable Spending Allocation Goal, determine whether certified Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) or Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) are available. The steps depend on the purchasing method.

• New Solicitations 
  • Advertise opportunities on CTsource.
  • Search the Small Business Certification Directory for certified vendors.
  • Share opportunities with appropriate trade organizations.

• Existing Contracts: 
  • Review the available contracted vendors to determine availability of SBEs and MBEs. 
  • Include certified vendors when gathering quotes as appropriate.

• General Letter 71 Purchases: 
  • Use the Small Business Certification Directory to identify certified vendors.
  • Include certified vendors when gathering quotes as appropriate.

Document good faith efforts at or near the point of purchase while the relevant purchasing decision and outreach information are available. Include:

• The relevant NAICS code and corresponding SBE/MBE goals.
• Steps taken to identify and consider certified businesses.
• If certified businesses were available but were not included, explain why.

Good faith efforts focus on documenting that certified businesses were provided a fair opportunity to participate, not on demonstrating that a purchase was awarded to a certified business. Retain this documentation as the CT Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) may request it.