(College Station)—The Texas A&M University System continues to set performance records with its Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program, which aims to provide equal access and equal opportunity for minority- and women-owned businesses, according to a report given at the Jan. 26 A&M System Board of Regents meeting.
Vice Chancellor for Administration James Fletcher said the A&M System spent nearly $115 million out of a total of more than $506 million—or 22.7 percent—buying goods and services from companies certified as HUBs in fiscal year 2005, according to the Texas Procurement and Building Commission. In fiscal year 2004, the amount was 17.58 percent.
This rate exceeded the 13.8 percent overall average by state agencies and the 17 percent average by institutions of higher education, he said.
“The A&M System has worked very hard to achieve this record performance,” said Jim Fletcher, vice chancellor for administration. “Our results demonstrate the commitment of our Board of Regents, the Chancellor and each CEO to expand equal access and equal opportunity for all business.”
“We are extremely pleased with the performance shown in the fiscal year report,” said A&M System Chancellor Robert D. McTeer. “The HUB Program is vital in meeting our commitment to Texas and in enhancing the economic development of the state.”
Texas A&M International University in Laredo ranked first in HUB participation out of more than 120 state agencies, with eight other A&M System institutions listed in the state’s top 25. Five System members reported participation levels above 30 percent; 11 were between 20 and 30 percent; and three were between 10 and 20 percent.
Included in the top 25 were Texas A&M University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M International University, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, Texas Cooperative Extension and Texas Transportation Institute.
In addition, Hispanic participation in A&M System procurement opportunities increased 19 percent and African-American participation increased 49 percent from a year ago.
The System’s HUB program was first established in 1994 and today includes Systemwide coordinators, an advisory council and initiatives designed to reach out to minority- and women-owned businesses and make them aware of the System’s bidding processes and procedures.