LGBTBE Certification for Manufacturing Companies

For businesses that are at least 51% owned by LGBT individuals.

Manufacturing offers significant opportunities for certified diverse suppliers. Here's why certification matters:

OEM Requirements: Major automotive companies (Ford, GM, Toyota) and aerospace companies (Boeing, Lockheed Martin) have aggressive diverse supplier targets.

Tier 1 Subcontracting: Large Tier 1 suppliers must flow diversity requirements down the supply chain.

Made in USA: Federal and corporate "Buy American" requirements create opportunities for domestic diverse manufacturers.

Supply Chain Resilience: Post-pandemic, corporations are diversifying supply chains and seeking domestic diverse suppliers.

Long-term Contracts: Manufacturing relationships tend to be longer-term than services, providing revenue stability.

Automotive OEMs alone spend over $150 billion annually with suppliers, with significant portions targeted to diverse businesses.

Must be at least 51% owned by LGBT individuals who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

LGBTBE eligibility requires LGBT-identifying ownership plus genuine operational control. NGLCC's review process is modeled on the NMSDC and WBENC frameworks; ownership on paper without real management authority will not pass.

LGBT ownership

• At least 51% owned by one or more individuals who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender
• Ownership must be unconditional and not subject to override provisions that effectively give control to a non-LGBT owner
• Ownership interest must be real and continuous, not a nominal or temporary transfer created to qualify
• Owners must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents

Control: management and operations

• LGBT owner(s) must hold the highest officer position (President, CEO, or Managing Member)
• LGBT owner(s) must control day-to-day business operations
• LGBT owner(s) must make long-term strategic decisions including hiring, major expenditures, and client contracts
• Management authority cannot be effectively delegated to non-LGBT individuals through employment agreements or informal arrangements

Business requirements

• For-profit enterprise operating in the U.S.
• Independently operated, not a subsidiary or affiliate where a non-LGBT parent entity exercises control
• Demonstrated business activity: real clients, contracts, or revenue
• No specific years-in-business minimum, though very new businesses may be asked for additional evidence of operations

Step 1: Check the chamber-membership waiver before you start NGLCC's certification fee is $899, with a $499 recertification fee. Both are waived if you hold current membership in your local affiliate chamber of commerce, so confirm that status first. Verify the current fee schedule at nglcc.org before applying.

Step 2: Gather documents before opening the application Collect everything before you start: articles of incorporation or organization, operating agreement or bylaws showing the LGBT owner's percentage and management authority, stock certificates or membership ledger, government-issued photo ID for the LGBT owner(s), three years of business tax returns (or all available years for newer businesses), a current profit & loss statement and balance sheet, business license, and a representative sample of signed contracts or purchase orders. Having documents ready prevents mid-session interruptions.

Step 3: Create your NGLCC account and complete the application at nglcc.org Register at nglcc.org/get-certified and work through the full application. The application covers ownership structure, management authority, financial overview, and business capabilities. Answer precisely and consistently; reviewers compare your answers directly against your supporting documents.

Step 4: Upload your document package Upload all documents gathered in Step 2. Label files clearly (e.g., "OperatingAgreement_2024.pdf" rather than "document1.pdf"). Mislabeled or incomplete uploads are the most common reason NGLCC staff issue follow-up requests that delay processing.

Step 5: LGBT identity declaration You self-certify your LGBT identity. NGLCC does not require third-party documentation of sexual orientation or gender identity. Your declaration is treated as confidential.

Step 6: NGLCC review and verification NGLCC staff reviews the application and supporting documents. For some applicants, this includes a phone interview or a virtual site visit to verify that business operations match the application and that the LGBT owner exercises genuine control. Respond promptly to any scheduling requests.

Step 7: Certification decision NGLCC targets 30-60 days for a certification decision on a complete application. Complex ownership structures or high application volume can extend this. Once certified, you're listed in the NGLCC supplier database and can begin using the LGBTBE mark.

Federal Manufacturing Opportunities

Key agencies purchasing manufactured goods:

• Department of Defense (DoD): Largest federal buyer of manufactured goods
• Defense Logistics Agency (DLA): Military supplies and equipment
• General Services Administration (GSA): Office products, furniture, equipment
• NASA: Aerospace manufacturing and components

Key Requirements

• Buy American Act: Many federal purchases require domestic manufacturing
• Berry Amendment: Certain DoD purchases must be 100% US-made
• CMMC: Cybersecurity requirements for defense manufacturing

Small Business Set-Asides: Manufacturing NAICS codes have specific size standards - many "small" manufacturers are substantial operations.