SWMBE Diversity

SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT

MMSD Policy Changes to Supplier Development Program

On December 15, 2025, MMSD implemented policy changes to its supplier development program that may impact certified firms to ensure continued compliance with recent federal court decisions affecting public contracting. MMSD will now operate a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program, replacing the former Small, Women-, Minority-, and Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (S/W/MBE) program.

As part of this transition, firms currently certified as MBE or WBE are encouraged to apply for SBE certification with MMSD.

Firms currently certified as SBE or VBE do not need to recertify.

All forthcoming Bids and Requests for Proposals will include a 20% SBE participation goal until further notice. Existing contracts are not expected to be impacted by this change.

Virtual Meeting January 8, 2026: MMSD Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program

Please join us for a virtual meeting on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM to learn more about the SBE program updates, ask questions, and share feedback.  RSVP required, please register. 

OUR COMMITMENT TO SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT

At the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), we recognize the benefits of having a vendor base that is reflective of the communities we serve. MMSD is committed to identifying, building relationships with, and acquiring goods and services from local small business enterprises (SBE) to promote economic growth and sustainability. Through local workforce requirements and business development opportunities within MMSD, we continue our mission of increasing small business participation and local worker utilization on all MMSD procurement opportunities.

Program Overview

MMSD’s SBE program is designed to ensure that small businesses have the opportunity to compete for the maximum feasible share of MMSD's expenditures for goods, services, construction contracts, and professional services.  MMSD has an annual SBE participation goal of 20% on all of its procurement spend.

Firms interested in fulfilling MMSD's SBE goal must be certified.  MMSD accepts SBE certifications administered by other federal, state, and local certifying agencies (see list below).  Additionally, MMSD offers its own Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification for which firms can apply.

MMSD also accepts Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) certifications administered by other federal, state, and local certifying agencies (see list below). VBEs, regardless of size, will count toward MMSD’s SBE participation goal.

Quick Links

How to Register as an SBE Vendor

All firms interested in doing business are encouraged to register in MMSD’s contract and vendor management system. Completing the vendor registration does not guarantee a contract with MMSD, but it will allow firms to receive communication and notices for relevant procurement opportunities with MMSD.

Please note: Firms seeking SBE certification must be registered before their SBE application can be processed.

MMSD Small Business Certification

To apply for MMSD SBE certification, businesses must complete the Small Business Certification application. MMSD SBE Certification is valid for three years. Firms wishing to renew their certification must submit a new application and business tax returns for the past three years.

To be eligible for SBE certification, firms must meet the size standard for their industry set forth by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). A size standard represents the largest size that a business (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) may be to remain classified as a small business. SBA size standards vary by industry classification and can be defined by average annual receipts for the past three years or the average number of employees over the past twelve months.

Businesses can use the SBA size standards tool to determine if their business can be classified as a small business.

Other Recognized Certifications

While there are various entities that provide certification services, below are links to the most common SBE and VBE certifications that MMSD recognizes (these links are provided as a courtesy but are not maintained by the MMSD):

WI Dept. of Administration Supplier Diversity Program and DVB Certifications
City of Milwaukee SBE Certification
U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs, SDVOSB and VOSB Certifications


Businesses certified by one of these agencies should submit a copy of their certificate or approval letter to swmbe@mmsd.com for inclusion in the MMSD certified public vendor directory.

Certified Public Vendor Directory

Firms that register with MMSD through the vendor registration process and provide proof of their certification will be listed in a public directory. Once MMSD has reviewed and accepted the registration of certified firms, this information becomes immediately available in the online certified public vendor directory.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Wisconsin District of the US Small Business Administration
Wisconsin Department of Transportation


For inquiries regarding supplier development and SBE certification, please email swmbe@mmsd.com.