Uniform Certification Agency
Certification does not guarantee a contract! Instead certification is a tool that is sometimes required by corporations or governmental entities to access opportunities to bid.
Prior to logging in to complete the new certification or renewal application please take a few additional moments to view information that will help you better understand where your company is within the business life cycle and whether or not you are positioned to truly meet the demands of major corporations in the public and private business sectors.
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Uniform Certification Agency
Mission of UCA
The Uniform Certification Agency certifies small business enterprises.
What is the Uniform Certification Agency?
The Uniform Certification Agency (UCA) was formed in 1994 to reduce the time and paperwork required to become certified; and to reduce the cost and burden of certification for Corporate Members. Certification through the UCA is accepted by all MMBC Continuum Corporate Members.
About the UCA
What is Certification?
Certification is a qualifying process that ensures the corporate buyer of business ownership, operation, and control.
Certification is important for three reasons:
- It helps to weed out “false front” operations taking advantage of loopholes in the law.
- It totally eliminates the need to have buyers screen suppliers to determine business ownership and control.
- It complies with federal regulations, which require the provision of subcontracting opportunities under Public Law and other executive orders.
Certification assures governments and/or corporations that purchasing dollars are spent with bona fide businesses.
The certification process requires a thorough investigation of a company’s operations including, but not limited to: financial statements, by-laws, charters, stock certificates, lease agreements, salaries of owners, number of employees, licenses/authorities, etc.
Each applicant undergoes a personal site visit interview with a member of the Uniform Certification Agency’s staff. Firms are certified under guidelines developed jointly by The MMBC Continuum and UCA in accordance with federal regulations (49 CFR).
Benefits of UCA Certification
Certification through the UCA provides your company immediate access to state, local and federal governments, as well as major corporations.
How to Apply for Certification
A UCA Application may be completed online. Follow the online application process and summit the requested documentation.
Services Provided to Members
The MMBC Continuum provides corporate members access to your business product and service offerings through an online directory. The Corporate Efficiency Directory (CED) outlines detailed information on certified businesses across the country and is updated daily. The online business directory is only available to corporate members of The MMBC Continuum.
- Certified business owners will have access to bid on proposal requests from local, state, and federal agencies as well as major corporations.
- Based on the corporate needs, firms will be invited to Private Matchmakers to present their business to corporate decision makers.
- Seminars and workshops which provide information and critical concepts for the growth and development of small businesses.
- Buyers/purchasing agents* can immediately expand their database of qualified suppliers by accessing the CED.
* Corporate members of MMBC Continuum and UCA only
Corporations interested in leveraging an efficient sourcing solution can contact the Uniform Certification Agency at (901) 525-6512.
Mail completed applications to:
The Uniform Certification Agency
P. O. Box 3060
Memphis, TN 38173
For Courier and/or Overnight Deliveries:
The Uniform Certification Agency
200 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 1000
Memphis, TN 38103
UCA FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: How does the UCA certification process work?
A: Complete the application online and submit it. Applicants may also print the application and mail it to UCA. In 30-45 days after the completed application and all supporting documents are received; a certification specialist will call you to schedule a site visit with the majority owner(s) at the primary place of business. Once the site visit has been completed, the entire file is processed for consideration of adherence to the federal regulation 49 C.F.R. Part 26. Once a decision is made, the applicant is given either a certificate or an explanation of the reasons for denial.
Q: Does the certification process really take 90 days?
A: We receive multiple applications every day and the thorough process can take between 60 and 90 days to complete from submission to certification.
Q: Can a business create more than one user name?
A: Yes, a business can create multiple access user names for their company.
Q: What is the criteria for UCA certification decisions?
A: UCA determinations are based on legal ownership structure, involvement in the day-to-day management and operational control of the business.
Q: Are there any fees associated with the certification process?
A: No. The MMBC Continuum membership application process begins with the certification process. The applicant does not pay a separate fee for each certification. There is NO FEE for TNUCP DBE certification. There is an annual renewal fee.
Q: Is there a fee for each certification?
A: No, not at this time.
Q: Does my certification expire?
A: Yes. Annually, to avoid a lapse in certification, a recertification application should be submitted 30 days or more before the expiration date.
Q: Can I fax or e-mail my application?
A: No. The application must be completed online. You can however, upload or email your supporting documents to mmbcc@mmbc-memphis.org.
Q: Where is the Uniform Certification Agency (UCA) located?
A: 200 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 1000, Memphis, TN 38103
Q: My company is located outside of Memphis. Can I still apply for certification through your agency?
A: Yes. The company must be already certified in another state, or it must be located within a 100 mile radius of the City of Memphis.
Q: Does your agency have reciprocity with other certifying agencies?
A: Yes. The Department of Transportation in the State of Tennessee is a partner that allows reciprocity with the TNUCP.
Q: Can I apply for all the different certifications?
A: Yes, if you meet the criteria, you could be eligible for up to 4 certifications with UCA.
Q: What are NAICS codes?
A: NAICS is an abbreviation for North America Industry Classification System. These six-digit codes are used to help major corporations and community partners identify the services your company offers. They are also used to determine revenue and employee standards for each industry. You may find the list using the following link: https://www.census.gov/naics/
Q: What are my options if my application is denied?
A: You may request an appeal of the decision within 30 days. A committee meets to review any appeals and submitted information and will respond with a decision.
Q: If my application is denied, may I reapply?
A: You may reapply after one (1) year, assuming changes have been made in the areas of previous denial.
Q: What financial statements should I submit if my company is a startup business or less than a year old?
A: You may submit a projection statement and a profit / loss statement for business completed to date.
Q: What tax information should be submitted?
A: Three (3) years of company taxes including all schedules are required for business that have been operating more than three years. Personal taxes including all schedules are accepted for business owners who have not yet filed company taxes.
Q: What happens after a company becomes certified?
A: You will receive the approved certificates and a welcome letter in the mail. Your company will be added to the Corporate Efficiency Database (CED) a 24/7 online UCA database. You will be invited to seminars, training sessions, and events that will be beneficial to how you operate and further develop your business. You will also have numerous opportunities to connect with major corporations, purchasing managers, decision makers, and other business owners for contracts and other opportunities.
For answers to other member registration questions please call (901) 525-6512 or email mmbcc@mmbc-memphis.org.
How to Apply For Membership
The MMBC Continuum Membership Application must be completed online. A declaration form must be notarized and submitted with other requested documentation as outlined in the online application process. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) application is NOT available online, but can be obtained by clicking the link to download the form below.
Please note: The certification process will not begin until all documents and payment have been received.
*NEW APPLICATIONS REQUIRE A $300 NON-REFUNDABLE FEE. There is a $10 convenience fee for all credit card payments.
UCA certifications are now processed through our online portal.
TNUCP Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) applications are NOT processed online at this time.
You can apply for up to (4) certifications at a time.
*If applying as a New TDOT DBE use the link below to fill out and print application. This certification is not processed online.: Please CLICK HERE – NEW DBE APPLICANT to download the form.
Additionally, Small Business Enterprise and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certifications Require Personal Net Worth Statement (DBE and SBE’s only): Please CLICK HERE to download the form.
If you have questions regarding the application(s) you may call: (901) 525-6512.
Mail supporting documents to:
The Uniform Certification Agency
P. O. Box 3060
Memphis, TN 38173
Or email them to: mmbcc@mmbc-memphis.org
For Courier or Overnight Deliveries:
The Uniform Certification Agency
200 Jefferson Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
*** If you do not have a PDF reader click on this link www.adobe.com and download the free reader (Adobe Reader).
UCA Recertification Applications
Companies certified by the Uniform Certification Agency (UCA) are certified for a period of one year. Certified companies wishing to maintain their certification status must submit Annual Affidavit Updates on a yearly basis. The annual update must be submitted thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date shown on the certificate to give sufficient time to process your paperwork. This will also help avoid a lapse in your company’s current certification which can lead to missed opportunities with potential clients/customers.
The recertification forms must be completed online and the declaration statement must be signed and notarized and the original document must be returned to the Uniform Certification Agency along with the company’s most recent tax return.
RECERTIFICATION FORMS:
Our UCA renewal applications for are now processed through our online portal. Only the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) renewal applications are NOT processed online.
*If applying as a RENEWING the TNUCP DBE CLICK HERE to fill out and print the “TNUCP No Change Declaration”. This form does not require a notary seal. This certification is not processed online.
SBE/DBE renewals require Personal Net Worth Statement: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
Complete the annual affidavit by logging onto the online certification site to complete your recertification using your unique member username and password.
Please call UCA at (901) 525-6512 for assistance.
Mail supporting documents to:
The Uniform Certification Agency
P. O. Box 3060
Memphis, TN 38173
Or email them to: mmbcc@mmbc-memphis.org
For Courier or Overnight Deliveries:
The Uniform Certification Agency
200 Jefferson Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
*** If you do not have a PDF reader click on this link www.adobe.com and download the free reader (Adobe Reader).