Section 20.530  Certification by Other Certifying Entities

a)         CMS may accept a certification by another entity, such as a local government or a federal program for veteran small business owners.  That entity must have certification requirements and procedures equaling or exceeding those required by the Code and under Subpart D of this Part (Program Eligibility).

b)         CMS shall investigate requirements and procedures of other certifying entities and shall maintain a list of those certifying entities whose certifications can be accepted.

1)         CMS may periodically meet with the other certifying entities to ensure compliance.

2)         If the other entities' requirements or procedures no longer equal or exceed the requirements and procedures of CMS, CMS will no longer accept those certifications. 

3)         Applicants must immediately report the denial/loss of certification or recertification by another certifying entity to CMS, along with detailed reasons for the action.