Get Certified

USPAACC’s certification increases your business opportunities with Fortune companies and government agencies.

Certified members have the advantage of being selected for consideration for minority contract opportunities when they become available.  Over the course of 25-years, USPAACC has leveraged its strong ties and relationships with prime contractors and Federal agencies to successfully matchmake our supplier members with Fortune corporations and government agencies.

Regular UPAAACC Membership vs. Certified USPAACC Membership

USPAACC certification is not automatically accorded to USPAACC members. Our membership consists of two categories: certified and non-certified members. Both membership categories receive full membership benefits.  USPAACC certified members receive the added competitive advantage of being first to be contacted and matched with Fortune corporations or their prime contractors seeking to contract with minority-owned businesses such as Asian American-owned businesses.

Certification Requirements

Certified businesses must be at least 51 percent owned, managed and operated by Asian American(s) (Category I) or legal permanent resident(s) (Category II). Proof of citizenship or legal permanent resident status is required.

Certification Process

The certification process entails submission of an application to USPAACC. We verify the information provided for accuracy and eligibility. The certification process normally takes two months, depending on the applicant’s timely submission of required documents and availability for the site visit.

Two-Levels of Certification

USPAACC has two levels of certification.

Category I

Businesses owned, managed and operated by U.S. citizens

Category II

Businesses owned, managed and operated by Asian immigrants who have been permanent residents for three years or more. This inclusive process opens the doors to permanent residents who pay taxes, who or their children have served in the U.S. military, and who contribute to the U.S. economy. It also ensures a greater diversity of suppliers in the procurement market in terms of race, color, ethnic origins, industries, geographical locations, sizes and expertise.

I am already SBA-certified. Do I still have to be certified by USPAACC?

It is to the member’s advantage to have USPAACC certification, in addition to certification by the SBA.  Our certification identifies a company as Asian American-owned, affords connections to Fortune corporations and key federal agencies, and carries the prestige of an established national organization with an exceptional reputation and tremendous networking opportunities. There are occasions when a contract and/or opportunity requires the skills that are readily and competently performed by Asian Americans because of language and cultural considerations. Having USPAACC certification enables you to be easily identified among the thousands of minority suppliers.

Will the certification process be easier if I am already SBA-certified and vice versa?

In a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the SBA and USPAACC in May 2003, a provision permits a faster certification process if a business has already been SBA-certified.