WBE Certification for Staffing & HR Services Companies

Why WBE Certification Matters for Staffing & HR Services Companies

For businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women.

For staffing & hr services businesses, WBE certification opens doors to corporate supplier diversity programs and federal contracting opportunities specifically targeting this sector. Many Fortune 500 companies and government agencies have dedicated spending goals for WBE-certified suppliers in staffing & hr services.

Staffing and HR services is a massive market where diverse suppliers are actively sought. Here's why certification matters: **Corporate Staffing Mandates**: Fortune 500 companies routinely include diverse staffing supplier requirements in their Managed Service Provider (MSP) and Vendor Management System (VMS) programs. Without certification, you may be excluded from corporate staffing vendor lists entirely. **Federal Staffing Contracts**: The federal government is a major purchaser of temporary and contract staffing services, with set-asides for 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, and HUBZone firms across multiple agencies. **SIA Recognition**: Staffing Industry Analysts publishes an annual Diversity-Owned Staffing Firms list. In 2024, 223 firms were recognized. Being on this list and holding certifications increases visibility with large corporate and MSP buyers. **MSP/VMS Access**: Most large corporations use MSPs (like Allegis, Hays, or Kelly) and VMS platforms (Fieldglass, Beeline, Pontoon) to manage contingent labor. Certified diverse staffing firms receive preferential inclusion in these programs. **Performance Advantage**: Harvard Business Review research shows that small and diverse suppliers awarded federal set-aside contracts perform better—with lower cost overruns and shorter delays—than comparable non-diverse suppliers. This data supports the business case for diverse staffing partners. **Growing Market**: Despite industry size, diverse suppliers hold a small share of the staffing market, creating significant growth opportunity for certified firms willing to invest in the sector.

WBE Eligibility Requirements

Must be at least 51% owned by women who are U.S. citizens.

To qualify for WBE certification through WBENC: **Ownership Requirements:** - At least 51% owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens - Women owners must have contributed capital or expertise proportional to their ownership **Control Requirements:** - Women must hold the highest officer position (CEO, President, etc.) - Women must control day-to-day operations - Women must make long-term strategic decisions - Women must sign on major contracts, leases, and financial obligations **Business Requirements:** - Must be a for-profit business operating in the U.S. - Must be an independent business (not a subsidiary of a non-woman-owned company) - Must be operational with demonstrated business activity

Required Documents for WBE

How to Apply for WBE as a Staffing & HR Services Business

1. **Step 1: Identify Your Regional Partner Organization (RPO)**
2. WBENC processes applications through 14 Regional Partner Organizations. Visit wbenc.org/rpos to find yours.
3. **Step 2: Create a WBENC Account**
4. Register at wbenc.org and begin the online application process.
5. **Step 3: Complete the Application**
6. The application includes detailed questions about ownership, control, operations, and capabilities.
7. **Step 4: Upload Documentation**
8. Submit all required documents through the online portal.
9. **Step 5: Pay Application Fee**
10. Fees vary by RPO and company size, typically $350-$1,000.
11. **Step 6: Application Review**
12. Your RPO reviews the application for completeness and compliance.
13. **Step 7: Site Visit**
14. An RPO representative visits your business to verify information.
15. **Step 8: Certification Committee Review**
16. The committee makes the final certification decision.
17. **Step 9: National Certification**
18. Once approved, you receive national WBENC certification.

Government Staffing & HR Services Opportunities

**Federal Opportunities** Key agencies purchasing staffing and HR services: - **Department of Defense (DoD)**: IT staffing, administrative support, technical contractors - **Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)**: Healthcare staffing, program support - **Department of Homeland Security (DHS)**: Security staffing, IT contractors - **General Services Administration (GSA)**: Administrative and clerical staffing government-wide **Key Contract Vehicles** - GSA MAS for human capital and training services - Agency-specific staffing BPAs and IDIQs - 8(a) STARS (for IT staffing) - OASIS (for professional services including staffing) - Agency small business set-asides for temporary staffing **Federal Staffing Categories** - IT and technical staffing - Administrative and clerical support - Healthcare professionals (nurses, medical techs) - Security personnel - Engineers and scientists - Financial and accounting staff - Program and project management **State and Local** State agencies, public universities, school districts, and municipalities all use temporary staffing services. Many have diverse supplier requirements and set-aside programs. State hospitals and social services agencies are significant users of temporary staffing.

Other Certifications for Staffing & HR Services Companies

WBE Certification for Other Industries