The Austin ISD HUB Program Department provides a race and gender-conscious process designed to encourage greater MBE/WBE availability. A program that encourages participation in all phases of procurement and opportunities for Historically Underutilized Businesses to broaden and enhance their capacities to do business with the District. We set goals for HUB participation, focusing on businesses owned by Blacks, African Americans, Women, Asians, Native Americans, and Hispanics. In addition, we help to support HUB firms by introducing subcontractors to prime contractors. We also hold events to help introduce minority firms to the process of becoming HUB certified. While our focus is mainly on bond-funded construction projects, we do promote the use of HUBs for other purchases made by the district.