Cleveland State University
Tier2-1: Historically Underutilized Businesses

As a state school, CSU is required to follow the state of Ohio's Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Encouraging Diversity, Growth & Equity (EDGE) purchasing guidelines. Under current State of Ohio Law (House Bill 584), 15% of the annual total aggregate purchases of goods and services are to be set aside for bidding only to Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) certified by the Equal Opportunity Coordinator of the State of Ohio. "Minority Business Enterprise" means an individual, partnership, corporation or joint venture of any kind that is owned and controlled by U. S. Citizens and residents of Ohio, who are and have held themselves out as members of the following socially and economically disadvantaged groups: Blacks, American Indians, Hispanics and Asians. An Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) participant must be a small socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprise owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are Ohio residents. EDGE establishes goals for state agencies, boards and commissions in awarding contracts to certified EDGE eligible businesses. EDGE applies to procurements of supplies and services, professional services, information technology services, construction and professional design services.