MPTN Member Owned Business Certification Program

The purpose of the Tribal Member-Owned Business (TMB) Certification program is for those businesses owned by one or more members of the Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Tribe to become certified as such by the Mashantucket Employment Rights Office (MERO) for purposes of pursuing preference in contracting opportunities with the Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN). Businesses considering seeking certification are encouraged to contact the MPTN procurement department’s Vendor Administrator at SDCC@mptn-nsn.gov for information about potential opportunities before proceeding.

A TMB is a business

  1. that is 51% or more is owned by one (1) or more members of the Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) who are in good standing with the Tribe;
  2. that has been in continuous business for at least one (1) year;
  3. that has one (1) or more active and current customer(s) not affiliated with MPTN or its enterprises; and
  4. that is not subject to conditions, executor agreements, voting trusts, shareholder agreements, or other similar arrangements that would allow the primary benefits of certified TMB status to accrue to any non-TMB entities or individuals who are not MPTN Tribal Members.

A business must meet the definition of a TMB to be eligible for MERO certification.

Owners who are MPTN members may apply for direct certification or verified certification of their business. Verified certification is a less extensive process available if the business is currently certified by a certifying body recognized by the MERO, such as the following or any of their regional chapters, if applicable: 1) National Minority Supplier Development Council; 2) National Women Business Owners Corporation; 3) Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, 4) the U.S. Small Business Administration; 5) a state of the United States, or 6) a Federal or state recognized Native American/Alaskan Native or Canadian First Nation Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO). If the business holds a certification from an entity not named above, it may still be eligible for verified certification. Please contact the MERO.

The MERO initiates and conducts investigations and makes the TMB certification determinations. The MERO notifies the MPTN procurement department when a business is certified as a TMB. The MERO also provides guidance to individuals and businesses that may seek certification. Certification by the MERO does not qualify the business for any particular MPTN procurement opportunity. MERO certification may not be recognized by contracting entities outside of the MPTN.

A MERO certification is valid for two (2) years from the date of the MERO’s determination. It is the responsibility of the business and its owners to timely file an application for a renewal of a MERO certification should the business wish to be considered for continued certification.

top