Q: WHAT IS CERTIFICATION?
A: Certification is the process through which MNAA evaluates businesses seeking designation as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) under its local certification program. This assessment ensures that businesses meet the necessary criteria for ownership, control, management, and independence.
The certification process includes a thorough review of the company’s ownership and operations, examining key documents such as:
- Financial statements
- By-laws and charter
- Stock certificates
- Lease agreements
- Owner salaries
- Number of employees
- Licenses and authorities
Certification Requirements:
- Businesses must be established and hold a valid business license.
- Applicants must be ready, willing, and able to provide the specified product or service.
- The firm must meet all ownership requirements.
- Certified firms must participate in annual reviews and updates as required.
- An on-site visit with the firm’s owner is conducted for all applicants seeking certification.
Business Size Determination:
A firm, including its affiliates, must meet SBA small business standards. It must not exceed $23.98 million in annual gross receipts over the past three fiscal years.
- Airport concessionaires: $56.42 million, with some exceptions
- Car rental businesses: $75.23 million
Personal Net Worth Requirement:
Applicants must have a personal net worth of less than $2.047 million to be considered for SBE certification. Excluded from this calculation are:
- Ownership interest in the applicant firm
- Equity in the individual’s primary residence
Q: IS THERE A COST TO BECOME CERTIFIED?
A: No, certification is completely free of charge.
Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME CERTIFIED?
A: MNAA reviews and makes a final certification decision within 90 days of receiving a complete application.
Q: WILL THE CERTIFICATION APPLICATION BE PROCESSED IF INCOMPLETE?
A: No, applications will only be reviewed once all required information is submitted. To ensure timely processing, applicants must provide complete and accurate responses.
Q: IS THERE A GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION REQUIREMENT FOR SBE CERTIFICATION?
A: Yes, businesses seeking SBE certification must be based in Tennessee to qualify.
Q: HOW LONG DOES CERTIFICATION LAST?
A: Certification remains valid unless the firm is officially decertified by MNAA. To maintain eligibility, all certified firms must submit documentation annually on the anniversary of their certification. MNAA typically sends reminder notifications 45 days before the renewal deadline.
Q: DOES MNAA ACCEPT RECIPROCITY BY OTHER ENTITIES?
A: Yes, MNAA recognizes reciprocity only from member agencies of the Tennessee Uniform Certification Program (TNUCP) that have offices within the state of Tennessee.
Q: WHERE CAN I VERIFY OR VIEW A COPY OF THE SBE DIRECTORY OF CERTIFIED BUSINESSES?
A: A current list of certified SBEs is available on MNAA’s website at flynashville.com
Q: DO I HAVE TO BE CERTIFIED TO DO BUSINESS WITH MNAA?
A: No, certification is not required to conduct business with MNAA. However, only certified businesses can have their work counted toward meeting established contract goals when serving as a prime contractor or subcontractor.
Q. WHAT IF MY APPLICATION/CERTIFICATION IS DENIED OR REVOKED?
A: If a firm’s certification is denied or revoked, it has three options:
- Request an informal appeal hearing within 30 days of receiving the denial letter.
- Waive the hearing and submit a written appeal within 15 days of receiving the denial letter.
- Accept the decision without further action. If no appeal is made, the determination stands for one year, and the firm will not be eligible to reapply during that time.
Q: WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR ASSISTANCE WITH CERTIFICATION QUESTIONS?
A: For any certification-related inquiries, email BDD.Certification@flynashville.com or contact our Certification Specialist at 615-275-1620
Q: WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR ASSISTANCE WITH ADDING OR MODIFYING NAICS QUESTIONS?
A: For help with adding or updating NAICS classifications, email BDD.Certification@flynashville.com or call our Certification Specialist at 615-275-1620