Understanding the scoring rubric is essential for preparing a competitive nomination. The MBE-to-MBE Spend Award is evaluated on a 100-point scale across three categories.

The largest category—worth 80 points—is Documented MBE-to-MBE Spend. This evaluates your measurable spend over the previous two calendar years relative to your total revenue. Evaluators consider your total gross revenue, total MBE spend, the percentage of MBE spend, year-over-year trends, and the completeness of your documentation. To score in the top range of 72 to 80 points, you need exceptional spend with a high MBE percentage, a strong or increasing trend, and thorough documentation.

The second category—worth 15 points—is Depth and Quality of MBE Partnerships. This looks at the number of MBE partners, the amount spent with each, the longevity of your relationships, and the diversity and depth of your collaborations. Top scores of 13 to 15 points go to nominees with multiple strong partnerships and clear, sustained engagement.

The third category—worth 5 points—is Impact on Capacity Building and Economic Growth. This measures how your MBE engagement supports development, capability expansion, or economic uplift for other MBEs. Examples of mentorship, collaboration, job creation, and supplier development are key here.

In the event of a tie, the first tiebreaker is the highest total dollar amount of MBE spend, followed by the number of certified MBEs you conducted business with. This ensures that both depth and breadth of engagement are recognized.

The bottom line: document thoroughly, build lasting partnerships, and invest in the growth of fellow MBEs.

The MBE-to-MBE Spend Award is more than recognition. It is a call to action for every certified MBE to invest in our community’s collective success.

 For more information, please contact:

• Lisette Villavicencio, MBEIC Chair: lisette@va-contractor.com
• Eduardo Quijano, Performance & Administration Coordinator: equijano@prmsdc.org

NMBEIC.ORG