PCA encourages Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), economic and social, to respond to PCA solicitations, including MBE, WBE, DBE, WOSB, HUB, VOSB, etc. for construction-type contracts. PCA encourages participation by DBE Vendors both as prime contractors and subcontractors. Subcontractors must meet the same minimum standards and requirements as the prime contractor. It will be the responsibility of the prime contractor to pre-qualify any subcontractors offered as DBE participants. Some PCA Members have specific goals for DBE requirements and will require that a plan be presented by the prime contractor to meet their goals. A Vendor shall indicate in their submitted proposal whether or not they are DBE and with whom they are certified. Upon utilization of a contract, a Member may require verification of the Awarded Contractor's or their subcontractor's DBE status. PCA allows Members to negotiate with the Awarded Contractor they are dealing with to use DBE subcontractors in order to meet their HUB goals. Our goal is to provide maximum practicable opportunities to small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business concerns. 

Federal agencies use PCA contracts! According to federal contracting officers. PCA contracts are nationally advertised and legally procured per Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), give contracting control over purchases and projects to the contracting agency, and allow for supplemental contracts and agreements between the agency and the Awarded Contractor. The FAR specifies the procurement process; it does not say that an agency of a state cannot carry out the procurement process. PCA contracts qualify under the FAR because the Regulations are met and PCA contracts are awarded by an agency of the State of Texas. Federal agencies can become members of PCA at no cost. 

GSA (U.S. Governmental Services Administration) customers benefit from using PCA contracts as many PCA contracts offer equal to or best price available for Federal, state and local governments. 

How to identify the contract for procurement justification: The Member will reference the PCA contract number and project title on the purchase order.