If you are bidding on commercial, healthcare, or publicly funded construction projects in Indiana, you have almost certainly seen supplier diversity language in the bid documents. Requirements to use MBE-certified suppliers are now standard on many of the region largest projects.

What Is MBE Certification?

MBE stands for Minority Business Enterprise. Certification is granted to businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by minority individuals. First Electric Supply holds MBE certification — which means spending with us counts toward your project supplier diversity goals.

Why Do Project Owners Require Diverse Suppliers?

Supplier diversity programs ensure that economic opportunity from major construction projects flows back into the broader community. For project owners — particularly hospitals, universities, municipalities, and large corporations — meeting these goals is often a legal, regulatory, or ESG commitment.

How It Affects Your Bids

Many bid documents for commercial and public projects in Indiana specify a minimum percentage of spend that must go to certified diverse suppliers — often 10 to 20% of total project value. Electrical materials are one of the largest line items in any construction budget, which makes your electrical supplier one of the easiest ways to hit that number.

What to Ask Before Bidding

Before you submit a bid on any project with diversity requirements, confirm: what percentage must go to certified diverse suppliers, which certification bodies are accepted, and whether electrical supply counts toward the diversity spend goal.