Office of Procurement Services

Business has no more than twenty-five (25) employees AND no more than $3 million in average annual revenue over the three-year period prior to their certification.

Business is at least 51% independently owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are U.S. citizens or legal resident aliens, and together with affiliates, has 250 or fewer employees, or average annual gross receipts of $10 million or less averaged over the previous three years.

Business is at least 51% owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens or legal resident aliens, or in the case of a corporation, partnership or limited liability company or other entity, at least 51% of the equity ownership interest is owned by one or more women who are citizens of the United States or legal resident aliens.

Business is at least 51 percent owned by one or more minority individuals who are U.S. citizens or legal resident aliens.

Historically black colleges and university includes any college or university that was established prior to 1964: whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans; and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary of Education.

An organization that provides community-based employment services to individuals with disabilities that is an approved Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredited vendor of the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.

A designation of those businesses that are owned by Service Disabled Veterans who are certified as such by the Virginia Department of Veteran Services.

A SWaM business is a Small, Women-owned or Minority-owned business that has been certified through the Commonwealth by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD).

All qualifying small, women or minority owned businesses are strongly encouraged to become certified. They can be certified by completing the initial certification application and submitting required documents. The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) will contact the vendor to request additional documents or provide the SWaM certification number. Please contact the SBSD at 1-804-786-6585 for further information on certification process.

Become SWaM certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Register as a vendor with the Commonwealth’s electronic procurement system (eVA). Visit eVA regularly to look for opportunities.

No. SWaM business shall be utilized when prices are fair and reasonable. However, all efforts shall be made to utilize a SWaM businesses.

Certified SWaM businesses are listed in the Virginia Department of Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) database.

There are two outreach events for SWaM businesses.

The SWaM Fair sponsored by businesses and the University attracts over 200 attendees who are looking to make new connections. This event is an opportunity to network and market your brand.

SBSD is hosting an information session on campus assisting with SWaM certification. See SBSD’s website for schedule and times under the events tab.