Become a HUB Vendor

For more than 25 years, El Paso Water has been committed to working with small, minority and women-owned businesses – or Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). We know the difficulties with becoming certified and gaining information on contracting opportunities, which is why we work with HUBs every day on the purchase of supplies, materials and services to the maximum extent economically feasible.

Whether you’re investigating certification options or looking to increase your revenue, we can work with you to find the information and opportunities you desire.

We work with over 200 HUB businesses with a variety of backgrounds. In FY 2018-’19, about 49 percent of EPWater’s spending for professional and consulting services went to HUB businesses.

Percent of total expenditures form HUB bussiness

While EPWater works to provide high quality and affordable water, we also support a thriving and diverse business community. You can find our team members at various events within the community providing certification information and contract opportunities to seek out additional qualified HUB vendors.

Annual Procurement & Contracting Symposium
City of El Paso Purchasing Co-Op Conference
Region 19 Public Purchasing New Legislation
Region 19 Job Order Contracting Training
Veterans Conference
Doing Business with GSA training
Doing Business with TASB training
Southwest Women’s Leadership Annual Conference

To be awarded contracts, HUBs need:

HUB certification through the state of Texas
Relevant skill and experience
Necessary staff, facilities and equipment
Financial capabilities
Meet all contract-specific qualifications

Two Options to become HUB-certified

The El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has an in-house resource center that is part of the Minority Business Development Agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce and can assist with HUB certification. Click here to learn more.
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) currently provides a 4-year HUB certification free of charge, provided your business continues to meet the CPA HUB eligibility requirements. Click here to access the CPA Website.

Contact us

Purchasing and Contracts Department
1154 Hawkins Boulevard, First Floor
El Paso, Texas 79925
Phone: 915-594-5627
Fax: 915-594-5689
Email: [email protected]

Still have questions? Visit our HUB FAQ below.

What is a HUB?

A HUB is a historically underutilized business that is formed for the purpose of making a profit. A HUB company must be either small-locally owned or at least 51 percent owned by one or more persons who are members of one of the following groups:

African-Americans
Hispanic-Americans
Asian Pacific-Americans
Native-Americans
Women
Service Disabled Veterans

The HUB owner must have a proportionate interest and demonstrate active participation in the control, operation and management of the company’s affairs. A HUB also must have its principal place of business in Texas.

How does being certified as a HUB help my business?

HUB certification can open doors for new businesses while creating revenue opportunities. For more than 25 years, EPWater has been committed to working with HUBs in the purchases of supplies, materials and services. Contractors and companies looking to utilize HUBs can find your company listed on the Texas Comptroller’s list.

How do I become HUB Certified?

We can help you through the process. Each business is unique and will require different documentation. Contact our Purchasing and Contracts office at (915) 594-5628 or [email protected] and we will walk you through the details of HUB certification.

For more information, visit the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts websites.

Who can certify my company?

HUB certification is available through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency located at the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA). For more information, visit the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts websites.

How long does it take to become certified?

When all documents are prepared correctly, the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce takes approximately two weeks and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts can take up to 4 weeks. Both options are available for certification.

How much does it cost to become HUB Certified?

There are different fees serviced by the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce or the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Please contact our Purchasing and Contracts office at (915) 594-5628 so we can review your options.

Are you on El Paso Water’s HUB-approved list?

El Paso Water maintains a vendor listing of small, minority and women-owned business enterprises. These vendor listings are included below.

Don’t see your company’s name on the list?

If you think your name should be on the list, please contact our Purchasing and Contracts office at (915) 594-5628 or [email protected].

I’m a HUB certified vendor, can you tell me if I’m on your mailing list?

We can verify your status thru the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and our mailing list. Don’t forget to mention if you’ve subscribed to our HUB mailing list, or if your HUB status has changed.

Contact our Purchasing and Contracts office at (915) 594-5628 or [email protected].

I’ve changed my HUB Status. How can I update it with EPWater?

Please send a copy of your HUB Certificate to us by mail or email and we will update our system to reflect your current status.

El Paso Water Purchasing and Contracts
1154 Hawkins Boulevard, First Floor
El Paso, Texas 79925
Email: [email protected]