FAQs • Bexar County, TX • CivicEngage

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County Clerk: Birth & Death Certificates

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1. Where can I get a copy of a Birth Certificate?: Hospital births and home births that occurred after 1967 within the city limits may be obtained at the Office of the City Clerk’s Office – Vital Records Division (which is the local registrar) located at 719 S Santa Rosa or by calling 210-207-8815.

All births that occurred in the rural part of Bexar County before 1967 and all births that occurred in Wilford Hall Military Medical Center (formerly Lackland AF Hospital) before 1967 may be obtained from the Bexar County Clerk’s Office.

2. What information do I need to obtain a birth certificate?

Full name on birth certificate (registrant’s full name)
Date and place of birth
Full name of father and mother (including maiden name)
Valid identification (current state DL / ID preferred)
Purpose for obtaining the record

3. What is the cost of a birth certificate?: The cost for a birth certificate is $23.00 per copy.

4. What if I want to make a change to my birth certificate?

Most changes are done through the Texas Department of State Health Services:

Texas Dept of State Health Services
1100 W 49th Street
Austin, Texas 78756
512-458-7111 or 888-963-7111

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County Clerk: Assumed Business Name/DBA

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1. Can I submit the forms required to obtain an Assumed Business Name by mailing to the County Clerk’s office?

Yes, the required forms can be mailed along with a check or money order payable to Lucy Adame-Clark Bexar County Clerk. (Temporary checks are not accepted)

You may download a printable version of the Assumed Business Name Certificate by going to the following link:

https://www.bexar.org/DocumentCenter/View/26459/Assumed-Name-Application-for-Certificate-of-Ownership

Mailing Address:
Bexar County Courthouse
100 Dolorosa St. Suite 104
San Antonio TX 78205

2. What is the fee to file an Assumed Business Name?: The fee is $14.00 for one owner and $0.50 for each additional owner.

3. What is the fee for a copy of an Assumed Business Name certificate?

The fee for a plain copy is $2.00.
The fee for a certified copy is $7.00.
Both cash and check payments are accepted (temporary checks are not accepted)

4. How do I register an Assumed Business Name?: You must determine if the name you wish to use is available. To determine if the name you wish to use is available (i.e. not being used by another business), you may conduct a search using the County Clerk’s website, or one of the members of our staff who are located in Suite B103, of the Paul Elizondo Tower, may conduct a search for you. You must submit the appropriate notarized form to the County Clerk’s office. You can submit the form in person or through the mail.

5. Does an Assumed Name ever expire?: The assumed name certificate is valid for ten years from the date of registration.

6. Where can I file a Limited Liability Company/Incorporation/LLC?: To create an Incorporation, Limited Liability Company LLC you need to contact the Secretary of State at: www.sos.state.tx.us or call 512-463-5555.

7. Who can execute the assumed name certificate?: The certificate must be executed by an officer, general partner, member, manager or attorney-in-fact. If executed by an attorney-in-fact it must include a statement that the attorney has been authorized in writing by the attorney’s principal to execute the certificate. (Texas Business & Comm. Code 71.104)

8. Can I view and print the Assumed Business Name forms on the County Clerk’s website?: Yes, you can do it through our online application.

9. Can a copy of the original notarized Assumed Business Name document be submitted to the County Clerk’s office?: The original Assumed Business Name certificate must be submitted to the County Clerk’s Office; a copy will not be accepted.

10. If I have partners, does everybody have to file?: Yes, everyone conducting business as a partner must file an assumed name for each business name. Each partner must sign the form in front of notary before the assumed name is filed with the County Clerk.

11. Can I amend an assumed name certificate to change incorrect information?: No, however, the law requires an assumed name registrant to file a new assumed name certificate when the information contained in the certificate is or becomes materially misleading. (Texas Business & Comm. Code 71.152)

12. What if I am no longer using an assumed name for my business?: If you are no longer conducting business under that assumed name, you may file a notice of abandonment.

13. Can I file more than one Assumed Business Name?: Yes, applicants may conduct business under multiple assumed names, but each name must be filed separately.

14. Is an Assumed Business Name a license?

No, you may contact the City of San Antonio to determine if a business license is required.

The Launch SA Business Center-Main Center Library
600 Soledad Ave
210-207-3903 or 210-598-6623

15. How can I learn more about conducting a business?

Resources that may be helpful are listed below.

The Launch SA Business Center-Main Center Library
600 Soledad Ave
210-207-3903 or 210-598-6623

Certificate of Occupancy/Building Inspections
1901 S. Alamo St. First Floor (Central Records Office)
210-207-1111
www.sanantonio.gov/dsd

City of San Antonio Vendors/Peddlers License/Gaming Device Decals
111 Soledad (Fourth Floor)
210-207-8266

Commercial Parking Permit
400 N. St Mary’s Ste.100
210-207-8266

Internal Revenue Service
E.I.N # or Tax #
8626 Tesoro Dr
210-840-2090 or 800-829-1040

Texas State Comptrollers of Public Accounts
10010 San Pedro Ste. 410
210-342-2300
comptroller.texas.gov

Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department
101 W. Nueva Suite 112
210-335-2478
rwatson@bexar.org

Trademark & Patent
800-786-9199
www.uspto.gov

Secretary of State
512-463-5555
www.sos.state.tx.us

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County Clerk: Bond Refunds

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1. I paid a cash bond for my relative, how do I get it refunded to me?: If the cash bond deposit was paid after 8/31/11, the case has been disposed and the terms of the bond have been satisfied, the person listed on the cash bond receipt can be refunded. See steps above or contact Bookkeeping at 210-335-2483 or 210-335-1246 for information.

2. Why was my cash bond deposit refunded to the defendant if I paid it?: Prior to H.B. 1658, any cash funds deposited before 9/1/11 shall be receipted by the officer and be refunded to the defendant.

3. I lost my cash bond receipt, what do I do now?: You will need to complete an “Affidavit To Request Cash Bond”. Please contact Bookkeeping at 210-335-2483 for information.

4. How do I request a copy of all funds currently on deposit?: Our office can provide a list of all funds resulting from cash bond deposits, condemnation, civil, and probate proceedings. If you would like a list, please submit an open records request to 210-335-2106.

5. My cash bond receipt contains an error, what can I do?: Please contact Bookkeeping at 210-0335-2483 or 210-335-1246 and describe your issue so that we can have it corrected before we begin the cash bond refund process.

6. I paid a cash bond and the case is disposed but I live outside of Bexar County, how do I obtain it?: We can process your cash bond refund request via email. You will need to complete an “Affidavit To Request Cash Bond”. Please contact Bookkeeping 210-335-2483 or 210-335-1246 for more information.

7. What is the status of my refund check?: Please contact our office at 210-335-2483 or 210-335-1246 with details of your request, such as case number or payable name. We can provide a certified mail tracking number as well.

8. How long will it take before I can receive my money?: The normal processing time for all checks disbursed is up to 15 business days.

9. Can I request my money be transferred to my bank account instead of a check?: No, you will receive a check from the Bexar County Clerk’s Office.

10. My check was less than what was deposited, why is that?: Please note an administrative expense shall be deducted from each withdrawal, depending on the type of withdrawal. The deduction is not optional. It is required by Local Government Code § 117.054 and § 117.055.

11. I would like to assign my cash bond refund to someone else, how can I do that?: You will need to complete an “Assignment of Cash Bond” and submit it with your cash bond refund request. Please refer to the Cash Bond Refunds page for the process to assign your refund to someone else. Please contact our office at 210-335-2483 or 210-335-1246 for instructions.

12. Can I request that my refund check be mailed to me?: Yes. For all cash bond refund checks, please use the “Affidavit to Request Cash Bond” form; and for all other registry refund checks, use the “Affidavit to Withdraw Funds” form. Once completed, mail it to our office at: Bexar County Clerk’s Office Attn: Bookkeeping Dept. 100 Dolorosa St. 104, San Antonio, Texas 78205

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County Clerk: DD 214 Military Discharge

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1. What is required to file my DD 214?: An original complete DD 214 must be provided.

2. What if I do not have an original DD 214?: If you do not have an original DD 214, you can submit a request for a certified copy online at www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records or submit a request by mail or fax using the SF-180 Form which is provided on the same website. For customer service, please contact the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri by calling 314-801-0800.

3. Where do I file my DD 214?: DD 214s can be filed in the Bexar County Clerk’s Recordings Department located at:
Paul Elizondo Tower
101 W. Nueva, Suite 103
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210-335-2581

4. How much does it cost to file my DD 214?: Filing a DD 214 is free of charge.

5. Will I get my original DD 214 back once it is recorded?

Yes, as soon as it is recorded we will give the original DD 214 back along with 3 certified copies free of charge.

6. Am I required to file my DD 214 with the Bexar County Clerk’s Office?: Although it is not required, filing your DD 214 with the Bexar County Clerk’s Office provides permanent retention of the record. The County Clerk’s office provides certified copies of your DD 214 should you need a replacement copy for your records.

7. Will the public be able to view my personal information on my DD 214 online?: No, all DD 214s are confidential and the image is not available to the public. The only information the public will be able to view online is the index.

8. How can I request copies of my DD 214 that has been recorded in the Bexar County Clerk’s Office?

Once a DD 214 has been recorded with the Bexar County Clerk’s Office, a copy can be obtained from the Bexar County Clerk’s Vital Statistics Department located in the basement of the Paul Elizondo Tower. Aside from the Veteran, only immediate family (spouse, father, mother, son, daughter, sister, or brother) may request a copy.

In order to request a copy of a DD 214, the County Clerk's Office requires proof of age and identity in the form of a valid government issued or state issued photo identification. Information about the veteran is also required. The minimum information that is needed is the veteran’s full name. While the year of discharge is not required, it is extremely helpful in processing the request.

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County Clerk: eFiling

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1. What is the phone number I should call for support with efile.txcourts.gov?

The number for Texas specific eFiling support is 855-839-3453.

2. What are the rules that were created for eFiling?

Filing Deadline: Documents electronically filed before midnight on the filing date of the deadline are deemed timely filed. An electronically filed document is deemed filed when transmitted to an approved electronic filing service provider.

If filed Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, it is deemed filed the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday.
If a motion and order is required to allow the filing of a document, it is deemed filed on the date the motion is granted.

Electronic Signature: A document can be electronically signed if “/s/” and a name are typed where the signature would appear, or an electronic image or scanned image of the signature is on the document.

Stricken Documents: If a document fails to conform to Rule 21, the court may strike the document, identify the error to be corrected, and state a deadline for the party to resubmit the document in a conforming format. The substitute document must be deemed filed on the same day as the document that was struck.

Local Rule: According to existing local e-filing rules, documents requiring signatures (affidavits, documents requiring opposing party signatures, etc.) must be electronically filed along with the rest of the documents in the case. The filer is responsible to keep the original, and a court may eventually require the document to be filed in a traditional manner with the district clerk.

3. Am I required to eFile?: The Texas Supreme Court has mandated all attorneys to electronically file documents in a Bexar County civil case through an electronic filing service provider certified by the Office of Court Administration. Pro Se litigants may still hand file their documents. More information about eFiling can be found on the Judicial Committee on Information Technology website.

4. How do I create text-searchable PDFs?: The Judicial Committee on Information Technology (members appointed by the Texas Supreme Court) standards require all eFiled documents to be in a text-searchable PDF. Documents in Microsoft Word can be saved as text searchable PDFs. Simply click “Save As” and a new window will pop up. Under the text field for the file name is a drop down menu. Click the drop down menu and select “PDF.” Once you have clicked “Save”, you will have a PDF document that is text searchable. That document will have a “.pdf” extension in the file name.

5. What personal information cannot be included in eFiled documents?: The Supreme Court created new rules of civil procedure that include language prohibiting the filing of documents that contain un-redacted, sensitive data. If the sensitive data is redacted, the attorney must retain an original un-redacted document. Sensitive data includes social security numbers, taxpayer ID numbers, bank account and credit card numbers, and government ID numbers. The rules also designates as sensitive information the name, address, or birthday of a person who is a minor at the time of the filing of the suit. Sensitive data should not be included unless it is required by law, court rule, or administrative regulation. The court may strike any document that contains un-redacted data in violation of the rule.

6. How do I access file stamped copies?: File stamped copies of documents you have filed are available to the filing attorney through your electronic service provider interface. In addition to the ability to access file stamped copies on your account, you will also have copies emailed to the email address associated with your account, and you may opt to have a courtesy copy sent to the email address of your choice (a paralegal, or another attorney, for instance).

7. Who are certified Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSPs)?

A list of the electronic fling service providers can be found at eFileTexas.gov.

8. Why was my document rejected?

The Judicial Committee on Information Technology (JCIT) Standards allow for documents to be rejected for the following reasons:

Insufficient Fees
Insufficient Funds in the Payment Account
Document is Addressed to Wrong Clerk
Incorrect/Incomplete Information Submitted
Incorrect Formatting
PDF Documents Combined
Document is Illegible/Unreadable
Document Contains Sensitive Data

9. If I e-file a document at 8:15 in the evening, will it be file stamped the next working day?: Pursuant to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21(f)(5): “Timely Filing: A document is considered timely filed if it is electronically filed at any time before midnight (in the court's time zone) on the filing deadline. An electronically filed document is deemed filed when transmitted to the filing party's electronic filing service provider, except:
(A) if a document is transmitted on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, it is deemed filed on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday; and
(B) if a document requires a motion and an order allowing its filing. It is deemed filed on the date the motion is granted.”

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County Clerk: Foreclosure

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1. What is a Mortgage Foreclosure?: A mortgage foreclosure is the forced sale of property pledged as security for a debt that is in default.

2. What is a Tax Foreclosure?: A tax foreclosure is the forced sale, conducted by a governmental agency, of real estate for nonpayment of taxes.

3. When and where is the foreclosure sale conducted?: The sale is conducted on the first Tuesday of every month between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If the first Tuesday of a month occurs on January 1st or July 4th, the sale will be conducted between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on the first Wednesday of the month. The sale will take place on the west side of the Bexar County Courthouse located at 100 Dolorosa, San Antonio, Texas or as designated by the Commissioner’s Court.

4. Can anyone bid on a foreclosure?: Yes, anyone may bid.

5. What types of funds are necessary to bid at the sale?: Both the mortgage and tax foreclosures are cash auctions. Therefore only cash or certified funds must be tendered at the time of sale. No personal checks will be accepted. The method of payment will be verified prior to bidding.

6. How can I be sure that a foreclosed property has a clear title?: Information concerning liens recorded against a property may be researched by the public in the County Clerk’s Deed Records Department located at 101 W. Nueva, Suite B109, San Antonio, TX 78205, or by visiting our website . Title insurance and guaranteed clear title searches are performed by title companies for a fee; you may also seek legal advice from an attorney. The County Clerk’s Office does not guarantee a clear title and is not responsible for any encumbrances on the property. Foreclosure is a very complex process and we suggest you contact your legal advisor if you have concerns or questions about a particular property.

7. Where may I obtain a copy of a notices or list of Mortgage Foreclosures?: Mortgage Foreclosure Notices may be obtained by visiting our website. A list may be obtained through the Bexar County Clerk’s GIS Foreclosure Map’s web page at maps.bexar.org/foreclosures, or you may visit the Bexar County Clerk’s Deed Records Department located at 101 W. Nueva, Suite B109, San Antonio, TX 78205.

8. When is the GIS foreclosure map updated?: The foreclosure map is updated twice a month; the first Friday after the auction and approximately 18 days prior to the sale.

9. Is there a redemption period on a Tax Foreclosure?: Redemption period for properties identified as agricultural use or homestead properties is two years. Redemption period for all other properties is six months. The redemption period begins on the date the deed is recorded.

10. Where can I find information regarding the sale of Tax Certificates?: Any information regarding the sale of Tax Certificates must be obtained from the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office at 210-335-6628 or visit the Tax Collector’s Office at Vista Verde Plaza Building, 233 N. Pecos la Trinidad, San Antonio, Texas, 78207-3175.

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County Clerk: Marriage License

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1. What do we need to purchase a marriage license?

Both applicants must submit proof of age and identity. Common forms of identification used to obtain a marriage license include: Driver’s License; an original or certified copy of Birth Certificate; Passport; Visa or Military identification card.
Each applicant is required to present their Social Security Number (if applicable)
$81.00 Cash Only

2. When does the marriage license expire?: A marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued.

3. Can I get married on the same day I purchase my marriage license?

Texas law requires that the marriage ceremony may not be performed during the 72 hours immediately after the marriage license was issued; however, there are certain exceptions to the 72-hour waiting period.

If the applicants obtains a written waiver from a judge;
If one of the applicants is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States; the active duty military person must show identification.
If the applicants submit the premarital education course certificate from Twogether in Texas.
If applicants are remarrying each other, the 72-hour waiting period does not apply.

4. Can I apply for a marriage license immediately after my divorce is finalized?: An applicant may apply for a marriage license after the 31st day the divorce is finalized (Family Code 6.801). If the divorce was finalized within the 30 days, the applicant must provide a certified copy of the divorce decree which states that the 30-day waiting period has been waived. Former spouses may marry each other at any time.

5. Do both applicants need to be present in order for the County Clerk’s Office to issue a marriage license?: If an applicant who is 18 years of age or older is unable to appear personally before the County Clerk to apply for a marriage license, any adult person or the other applicant may apply on behalf of the absent applicant. The person applying on behalf of an absent applicant shall provide to the clerk the notarized “Affidavit of Absent Applicant” and proof of the identity and age of the absent applicant. The “Affidavit for the Absent Applicant” must include certain information, and must be notarized and have original signatures before applying for marriage license.

6. If both applicants are unable to be present to obtain a marriage license, can another adult person obtain a marriage license for the applicants?: The County Clerk may not issue a marriage license for which both applicants are absent unless the person applying on behalf of each absent applicant provides to the clerk an affidavit of the applicant declaring that the applicant is a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation. Military identification is also required for each applicant who is not present to obtain the marriage license. See Marriage Licenses.

7. Can a marriage ceremony occur if my fiancé is not able to participate in the marriage ceremony?: The appointment of any adult, other than the other applicant, to act as proxy for the purpose of participating in the ceremony is allowed if the absent applicant is: (A) a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation; and (B) unable to attend the ceremony.

8. Can a minor get married?

A person under the age of 18 years of age may not marry unless the person has been granted by this state or another state, a court order removing the disabilities of minority of the person for general purposes. (Texas Family Code 2.003) A certified copy of order must be submitted along with original birth certificate of minor.

9. How can we take the Twogether in Texas Class?: You would need to contact the Twogether in Texas Program. Call 211 or 512-206-5594 or visit their website. When a couple presents the Twogether in Texas Certificate, the 72-hour waiting period is waived; The Twogether in Texas Certificate is valid for one year from the date the course was taken; the couple is eligible for a discount of $60.00 from the marriage license fee.

10. Can I get married in any county in Texas?

Yes, you may obtain a marriage license from Bexar County and get married in any county in the state of Texas. (Texas Family Code 2.001)

11. May I send someone else, in my place to pick up a copy or a certified copy of my marriage license?: A marriage license is public record, therefore anyone can obtain a copy of a marriage license.

12. Where can I get my name changed after the marriage license has been recorded?: If you chose to change your name due to marriage, you may do so through the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Social Security Administration, however the name on the marriage license will not change.

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County Clerk: Probate, Civil, and Criminal Cases

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1. How do I file an answer once I have been served with a citation?: As indicated on the citation, you have 20 days from the date of service to file an answer with our office. We cannot calculate or give you the due date for your answer. It can be submitted to our office via eFiling, mailed or delivered in person the Bexar County Clerk’s office, Attn: Civil Central Filing Department, 100 Dolorosa B: 04, San Antonio, TX 78205.

2. How do I obtain a copy of documents?: Submit your request through eFiling, mail or in person. Please include case number, address, and a fee of $1.00 per page.

3. How do I file a small claims action?: The jurisdiction for a small claim is under $10,000 and you can file at one of the Justices of the Peace.

4. I have appealed a case from the Justice of the Peace, what happens next?: The documents in the case are sent to the Bexar County Clerk’s Civil Central Filing department. The appeal means that the case will be heard by the County Court at Law Court as a new case. You will receive a notice requiring you to pay the filing fee; if the filing fee is not paid, the case will be sent back to the Justice of the Peace Court. Either party may request a hearing date. The party setting the case is responsible for notifying the other party of the date, time and location the case is set for. To set a hearing, contact the senior court operations clerk at 210-335-3175 or 210-335-3179. It is recommended that you consult an attorney or have an attorney represent you.

5. What is the Bexar County civil jurisdiction?: Bexar County Clerk’s jurisdiction is up to $200,000.

6. What dates are jury and non-jury cases set for?

County Court At Law jury cases are set on Monday's or Tuesdays following a Monday holiday.

County Court At Law non-jury cases and motions are set on Thursdays and Fridays at 9:30 AM in presiding county court room B.23.

7. What are the requirements for a jury demand?

You must submit a filing fee of $40.00 for a jury demand. Parties must attend mediation.

8. How do I file for an occupational driver’s license?: The filing fee for an occupational driver's license is $247.00 dollars. Consult an attorney. The clerk may not assist in the preparation of any application or petition, nor can we advise any litigant if the application is filed incorrectly. If the court does not grant the occupational license, the filing fees are not refundable.

9. How do I obtain copies of documents in my file?

You may obtain copies of documents by the following options:

Submit your request through eFiling
Submit by mail
Submit in person

The fee for a non-certified copy is $1.00 per page. The fee for a certified copy is $5.00 for the certification and a $1.00 per page of the document. Request for copies can be made in person, by eFiling, or by mail. Please make sure to provide the name and case file number, if available, for each request. Checks or money orders are to be made payable to: Lucy Adame-Clark, Bexar County Clerk.

Civil Cases
Lucy Adame-Clark, Bexar County Clerk
ATTN: Civil Central Filing Department
100 Dolorosa, Suite 104
San Antonio, TX 78205

Probate Cases
Lucy Adame-Clark, Bexar County Clerk
ATTN: Probate Department
100 Dolorosa, Suite 104
San Antonio, TX 78205

Criminal Cases
Lucy Adame-Clark, Bexar County Clerk
ATTN: Criminal Central Filing Department
100 Dolorosa, Suite 104
San Antonio, TX 78205

10. How do I get a letter testamentary?: In order to receive a letter testamentary, a will MUST be filed and admitted to probate. To file a will for probate, please consult an attorney. The law prevents us from providing legal advice to any person. Please see the Bexar County Probate Courts website for more information.

11. How can I obtain guardianship over an incapacitated person?: You must contact an attorney to file a guardianship. While you may represent yourself in some lawsuits, you may not represent others. Under Texas law, only a licensed attorney may represent the interests of third-party individuals or entities, including guardianship wards and probate estates. Please see the Bexar County Probate Courts website for more information.

12. How do I search for an estate?

You can conduct name searches for probate records here.

13. How do I place a will for safekeeping?: A person may deposit their will for safekeeping with the County Clerk for a one-time fee of $5.00. The will is placed in a sealed envelope and kept in a secure storage area. The deputy clerk does not review the contents of the will. The clerk will issue a certificate of deposit for the will upon receipt. The will may be removed at any time by the Testator (person for whom the will is created). After the Testator passes, any person named on the outside of the sealed envelope, may withdraw the will upon proof of identification and proof of death of the Testator.

14. When is my court date?: You may contact the Criminal Filing Department at 210-335-2238. You may also search this information using the Bexar County Clerk and District Clerk Court Records Search.

15. What is my case number?: You may contact the Criminal Filing Department at 210-335-2238. You may also search this information using the Bexar County Clerk and District Clerk Court Records Search.

16. What court do I need to be in today?: There are bulletin boards located in the Bexar County Justice Center that lists court information. You may find your name on the bulletin board and then proceed to the court listed by your name. If your name is not listed on the bulletin board, you may want to obtain assistance from the County Clerk’s Criminal Filing department located in the basement of the Courthouse.

17. What is a bond forfeiture case?: A bond forfeiture case is filed when a misdemeanor defendant failed to appear for a hearing or trial. If an answer is not filed in a timely fashion, the plaintiff may take a default judgment. For case information or citation inquiries, contact our Bond Forfeiture Department at 210-335-2237.

18. How do I file a Petition for Nondisclosure?: For Pro Se filers, a Petition for Non-Disclosure can be filed with the County Clerk’s Criminal Filing Department located in the basement of the Bexar County Courthouse. The filing fee for a Petition of Non-disclosure is $260.00. (Section 411.081 Government Code and 133.154 Local Government Code) When filing, please provide the original filing as well as two copies.

19. How do I find out if I have any warrants?

Contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s warrant division at 210-335-6030 for information pertaining to warrants.

20. How do I obtain copies of a background check?

Misdemeanor background checks are performed at:
Bexar County Clerk’s Office
Criminal Central Filing Department
100 Dolorosa, Basement
San Antonio, TX 78205

The fee for a background search is $5.00 for the first 10 years and $1.00 for each additional year.

To obtain a misdemeanor background search by mail, send a letter of request including the following information:

Full Name
Date of Birth
Social Security Number
Cashier check or money order payable to
Bexar County Clerk
ATTN: Criminal Central Filing
100 Dolorosa, Suite 104
San Antonio, TX 78205
Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope

21. Why do I have to pay court cost and fine, if I already served time?: Court cost and fines are in addition to any time served and are included in all judgments unless the judgment indicates "time and money to run concurrent".

22. How can I get a transcript?: If the case was not appealed you may contact the court reporter that was assigned to that court. If the case was appealed you can purchase a copy from the County Clerk’s office if the court reporter filed a transcript.

23. My case is set on the docket. Do my attorney and I have to be there?: When your case is set on the docket both you and your attorney must be present.

24. How can I get copies of a judgment, sentence or dismissal?: You may contact the County Clerk’s Criminal Filing office at 210-335-2238

25. Where do I pay my court costs/attorney's fees?: You may pay your court costs/attorney's fees at the court collections payment window, which is located in the basement of the Bexar County Courthouse at 100 Dolorosa, San Antonio, Texas 78205.

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County Clerk: Real Property/Land Records

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1. How do I get a copy of my deed?: You may obtain a plain copy of your deed by visiting our website; you may obtain a plain or certified copy of your deed by visiting the Bexar County Clerk’s Deed Records Department located at 101 W. Nueva, Suite B109 San Antonio, TX 78205; or mail your request to the Bexar County Clerk’s Office, 100 Dolorosa, Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78205. The fee is $1 per page and $5 per certification.

2. I paid off my house, where is my original deed?: Normally the original deed is given to the buyer after closing. If your deed was recorded in the Bexar County Clerk’s Office and you have misplaced your original deed, you may purchase a certified copy by visiting the Bexar County Clerk’s Deed Records Department located at 101 W. Nueva, Suite B109 San Antonio, TX 78205; or mail your request to the Bexar County Clerk’s Office, 100 Dolorosa, Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78205.

3. The bank sent me my release and said I need to take it to your office. What do I need to do?: You may bring the original release to the Bexar County Clerk’s Recordings Department located at 101 W. Nueva, Suite 103 San Antonio, TX 78205; or mail your original document to the Bexar County Clerk’s Office, 100 Dolorosa, Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78205. Our fee is $26 for the 1st page and $4 for each additional page (per document). Acceptable forms of payment are cash, check, or money order. Please make checks payable to Bexar County Clerk.

4. How can I find out if there is a lien on my property?: Information concerning liens recorded against a property may be researched by the public in the County Clerk’s Deed Records Department located at 101 W. Nueva, Suite B109, San Antonio, TX 78205, or visit our website. Title insurance and guaranteed clear title searches are performed by title companies for a fee; you may also seek legal advice from an attorney. The County Clerk’s Office does not guarantee a clear title and is not responsible for any encumbrances on the property. We suggest you contact your legal advisor if you have concerns or questions about a particular property.

5. What are your filing fees?

Our fees are $26 for the 1st page and $4 for each additional page (per document). We accept cash, check, or money order. Please make checks payable to Bexar County Clerk.

6. May I record a copy of my document? Do I need to provide my original document to get recorded?: Original documents with original signatures are required for recording. The County Clerk’s Office will not record a copy.

7. Where can I get a deed drawn up?: The County Clerk’s Office does not prepare deeds or any other documents. We suggest you contact your attorney if you have concerns or questions about a particular property.

8. Where do I register for my Homestead/Over 65/Disabled exemptions?

Bexar Appraisal District is located at 411 N. Frio, San Antonio, Texas 78207; you may call (210) 224-8511 or visit www.bcad.org.

9. Is there a Notary in your building?: Yes. The notary is located on the first floor of the Paul Elizondo Tower.

10. How long will it take to record a document if I submit it in person?: Documents brought into the office are recorded immediately. Once the documents are cashiered, assigned an instrument number and scanned, the original documents will be returned to you.

11. How long does it take for a document to become a public record?: The document will be a public record as soon as it is recorded. The record is usually available on the internet after 1-2 business days.

12. What is the fee for filing a Federal Tax Lien and/or Release of Federal Tax Lien?

The fee is $31.00. If the lien was filed in both UCC and OPR, the fee is $31.00 for each.

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County Clerk: Withdrawing Court Registry Funds

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1. I was awarded money that was deposited in a lawsuit, how do I obtain it?: Present a certified copy of the court order and a signed form W-9 for the party receiving the disbursement to the Bookkeeping Department. For more details visit Withdrawing Adult Court Registry Funds.

2. There used to be money in the registry for me but it was escheated to the State, now what?: Funds that were escheated to the State may be claimed from the State Comptroller's Unclaimed Property Division. Some funds may require further court action. Visit claimittexas.org for more details or contact the State Comptroller at 1-800-654-3463.

3. I am now 18 and there was money that was held in the registry for me, now what?

If you have funds in the registry, have turned 18 and wish to withdraw those funds, the Bookkeeping Department requires the following:

An original or certified copy of your birth certificate
Form W-9
Application To Withdraw Funds From The Bexar County Registry
Valid government issued identification (photocopy if application is mailed): state issued driver’s license, DPS I.D. receipt, state identification card, passport, military ID
Social Security Card (photocopy if application is mailed) Please refer to the Orders to Withdraw Minor Funds from the Court’s Registry Information document for full details on the process

4. I was awarded money that was deposited but I’m Pro Se, how can I obtain it on my own?: Bexar County provides a Law Library that may have helpful information on how to prepare an order. The Law Library is located at 100 Dolorosa, 5th Floor San Antonio, Texas 78205.

5. I need to request a refund, how can I do that?

Depending on where you paid for your transaction, you can contact the following County Clerk offices to request a refund:

Civil: 210-335-2231
Criminal: 210-335-2338
Probate: 210-335-2241
Recordings/Deeds: 210-335-2581
Marriage/Vitals: 210-335-2223

6. I would like to request a report of all funds currently on deposit, how can I obtain that?: Our office can provide a list of all funds resulting from cash bond deposits, condemnation, civil, and probate proceedings. If you would like a list, please submit an open records request to Priscilla Hernandez at 210-335-2561.

7. I submitted a motion/order that was signed by the Judge, now what?: If there are funds held in the registry and you have filed your motion/order with the appropriate office, the Bookkeeping Dept. requires a certified copy to begin the payment process.

8. What is the status of my refund check?: Please contact our office at 210-335-2483 or 210-335-1246 with details of your request, such as case number or payable name. We can provide a certified mail tracking number as well.

9. I would like to know the registry balance on a case, how can I find that?

Please contact the Bookkeeping Department at 210-335-2483 or 210-0335-1246 and have your case number.

10. I submitted a check that bounced, how can I resolve it?: If you submitted a check that was returned non-sufficient funds, you will need to submit the amount that was returned in addition to a $25 fee for the returned check. The payment must be in the form of cash, cashier’s check, or a money order made payable to the Bexar County Clerk. Please contact the Bookkeeping Department to coordinate a payment at 210-335-2483 or 210-335-1246.

11. How long will it take before I can receive my money?: The normal processing time for all checks disbursed is up to 15 business days.

12. Can I request my money be transferred to my bank account instead of a check?: No, you will receive a check from the Bexar County Clerk’s Office.

13. My check was less than what was deposited, why is that?: Please note an administrative expense shall be deducted from each withdrawal, depending on the type of withdrawal. The deduction is not optional. It is required by Local Government Code § 117.054 and § 117.055.

14. Where is your office located?: We are located at 100 Dolorosa St. in San Antonio, Texas 78205. Our office is located in the original courthouse in the basement level towards the north end of the building. We are directly across from the Civil Department of the County Clerk’s Office.

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County eInvoice

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1. When will eInvoice go live for District Criminal, County Criminal, and juvenile courts?: We are targeting late August 2022.

2. What case types will be billable through the new eInvoice?: The following case types will be available for billing in the new eInvoice system: CI, EM5, and PA.

3. What case types will be excluded from eInvoice?: The following case types will not be available for billing in the new eInvoice system: CV, BF, MR, MH, AA, AO, ED, PG, PC, SK, SM, TA1, TA2 and SF

4. I already started billing against a case using the old method – what should I do?

If you have already started billing against a case using either paper invoices or the old eInvoice system for Children’s Courts but have not yet been paid, that’s ok. We’ll continue to process in-flight invoices business as usual. However, all future invoices should go through the new system.

If you have submitted an invoice using the old method and then it is rejected after the new system is live on March 1st, you’ll want to use the new system to re-submit.

5. An invoice I submitted using the old method was rejected – how should I re-submit it?: After March 1st all invoices for District Civil Court, Child Support, and Childrens Court should be submitted using the new eInvoice system.

6. How do I get a Bexar Vendor Number?: Download Form 1300 - Vendor Request Form and a W-9 form and submit both forms to auditors-einvoice@bexar.org or by fax (210)-335-2996.

7. How can I find my existing Bexar County Vendor Number?: Existing attorneys that have been paid by the County will have a vendor number already assigned to them. Your existing vendor number will be emailed to you as part of the go-live phase of this project. In the event you did not receive an email with your vendor number, it can be found on a pay stub or it can be requested by emailing Auditors-einvoice@bexar.org or by calling Accounts Payable Admin at 210-335-2243

8. Why is there an N/A in the Name and Style fields when I pull up a case number in the new system?: You are not the attorney on record. Please verify the case number. Alternately, you will have the option to fill in additional information on the invoice submission screen and provide information for your role on the case.

9. How do I update my address and contact information for payment and tax purposes?: You will need to update your address and contact information in the County financial system. Download Form 1300 – Vendor Request Form and submit the completed form by email to Auditors-einvoice@bexar.org or by FAX to (210) 335-2996. Be sure to keep your information updated even if you receive payments through PayMode because tax reporting documents will be sent to the address listed in the County financial system.

10. Do I use the new eInvoice system to bill on my County Civil Court appointment?: No. Appointment payments for County Civil Court cases will continue to be paid under the current method.

11. How do I view an invoice submitted in the old system?: Starting at 5pm on February 25, 2022 the old eInvoice system will be set to read-only. However, you may still view submitted invoices using a new URL: Keep in mind that the old eInvoice system is only supported on FireFox or IE11.

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County FAQs

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1. Where can I apply for a passport?: You may visit the Bexar County District Clerk's Passport Service Center to submit your passport application.

2. How do I find someone recently arrested?: View persons arrested in the past 24 hours at the Magistrate’s Office Search Website.

3. How do I obtain a certified copy of a document?

The fee for a certified copy of a document is $5.00 for the certification and a $1.00 per page of the document. You may make your request by E-filing, Mail or in person. Checks or money orders are to be made payable to: Lucy Adame-Clark, Bexar County Clerk.

You may mail in your request to:

Lucy Adame-Clark, Bexar County Clerk
Civil Central Filing Department
100 Dolorosa, Suite 104
San Antonio, Texas 78205

4. How do I register to vote?: To vote in Texas, you must be registered with your county. To register with Bexar County, verify your eligibility. Then simply pick up a voter registration application, fill it out completely and legibly, and return it to the Voter Registration Office at least 30 days before the election date.
Learn More About Elections

5. How can I make child support payments online?: View the Child Support Online service to make a child support payment online using a credit or debit card.

6. How do I apply for a marriage license?: For information on obtaining a Marriage License, please contact the Bexar County Clerk's Office at (210) 335-2221 or visit the County Clerk's webpage for marriage information.

7. Where do I report for jury duty?: Jury duty is located in the basement of the Justice Center (300 Dolorosa Street), across the hall from the cafeteria. You may enter the building through the Justice Center on Dolorosa or the Paul Elizondo Tower on Nueva St. (closest to the parking garage). Both entrances are ADA accessible. Visit the Jury Services webpage for more information.

8. How do I find who represents me?: To find your precinct and who represents you, please use the Who Represents Me? Precinct Finder.

9. What dates are jury cases set for?: County Court At Law Jury cases are set on Monday's or Tuesdays following a Monday holiday.

10. When are property taxes due?

Under Section 31.02 of the Texas Tax Code, taxes are issued on OCTOBER 1st of each year “and are due upon receipt of the tax bill and become delinquent if not paid before FEBRUARY 1st of the year following the year in which imposed” and subject to penalty and interest.

In order to be timely, payment mailing or common carrier of taxes must be postmarked or receipted on or before the due date of January 31st.

Due to a change in the statue, participating jurisdictions may elect to turn over their delinquent business property taxes to their delinquent tax attorneys for collection on April 1st of the year the taxes became delinquent, and are also subject to an additional collection penalty of 15 or 20% of the taxes, penalties and interest due.

All other past due taxes are surrendered for collection on July 1st of the year the taxes became delinquent and are also subject to the additional 15 or 20% collection fee.

View Bexar County Tax Website

11. How do I get an exemption from jury duty?

To claim an exemption you must complete the form on the jury summons, sign it, and return the form in person or by mail to the following address:

Central Jury Bailifff
Bexar County Justice Center
300 Dolorosa / Basement
San Antonio, TX 78205-3006

Visit the Jury Services webpage for more information.

12. How do I register for emergency alerts?: Regional Emergency Alert Network (REAN) is a FREE emergency notification tool for ALL citizens of Bexar County. Sign up now to get emergency alerts delivered to your mobile device!

13. What is the process for probating a will?

To begin the process, an application for probate will need to be filed in a Texas Probate Court.

Once the Application has been filed, Texas Estates Code requires that you must wait approximately 2 weeks before you can have a hearing on the probate application.

During the 2 week waiting period, the County Clerk posts a notice at the courthouse that an application has been filed for probate. This posting serves as notice to anyone who might want to contest the Will that they have a certain number of days to do that. If they fail to file their contest within that period of time, the Court can move forward in recognizing the validity of the Will.

Once the waiting period has passed, a hearing will be conducted before the Probate Judge. At that time, the Judge will recognize that the Decedent has died, that the Court has jurisdiction of the case, that the person applying to be the Executor is qualified to serve, and that the Decedent died with a will that was valid.

For more information visit the Probate Web Page.

14. How can I contact an inmate in Bexar County jail?

There are several ways to contact someone detained with the Bexar County Sheriff

View the Bexar County Sheriff website

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County Manager: Budget Process Suggested Improvements

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1. Move Proposed Budget presentation up

Move Proposed Budget presentation up one week to August 15th

2. Increase transparency

All Budget transfers approved by Commissioners Court
All Out-of-Cycle Budget Requests approved by Commissioners Court
All Hiring and Promoting Above the Minimum Requests approved by Commissioners Court
Provide quarterly updates on expenditures to Commissioners Court
Add budget priority-setting work sessions to the Budget Calendar
Present long-range financial forecast to Commissioners Court prior to priority-setting work sessions
Add more budget work sessions

3. Improve forecast quality

Performance measure training sessions to be held to assist offices and departments

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County Manager: Commissioners Court Suggested Improvements

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1. Provide for additional time for court members to educate themselves more in-depth about agenda items

Adjust timeframe for agenda process by moving the deadline for regular session agenda item submission to 10 business days before the posting date of the upcoming meeting.
- This allows for review and research, if necessary, and facilitates for a meaningful discussion and appropriate action later during the meeting.
- All court members would receive the regular session draft agenda within eight (8) days before posting in order to allow time for preparation

2. Add planning security and transparency for upcoming agenda items

Offices/Departments to forecast timeline of items being brought to Commissioners Court for approval, such as MOUs, Agreements (new and renewals), etc. in order to timely add items to the Regular Session agenda.

3. Improve efficiencies through workflow management solution

Maximize technology and software to streamline the process.

4. Use “Work Sessions” for detailed project and other business updates

Confirm meeting dates for recurring Work Session meetings in order for staff to provide to Commissioners Court detailed updates and presentations regarding projects and other County business, to include but not limited to:
- Criminal Justice updates/Jail Population Reports;
- Bexar County Information Technology updates;
- Budget Quarterly Estimates;
- ARPA updates;
- Infrastructure updates and forecast;
- Preventive Health updates

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Economic & Community Development - DCS/Energy FAQ

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1. How can I access the application if I do not have a computer and/or Internet?

If you are not able to access the online application:

Visit our Resource Lab at 233 N. Pecos St., San Antonio, TX, 78207 OR,
Call us at (210) 335-3666 for additional information or to schedule an appointment (must be eligible) OR,
We may also refer you to the nearest partner agency for additional assistance

2. How can I apply if I am unable to leave my house?: Please call 210-335-3666 and speak to one of our Client Representatives to request a home visit if you meet the criteria.

3. Will I still be able to apply if I do not have an email account?

Yes, the clerical team will assist you in creating a free email account if you do not have one.
If you do not have access to a computer/Internet to check your email account, you may visit our Resource Lab at 233 N. Pecos St., San Antonio, TX 78207.

4. What if I do not understand how to complete an application?

Please call us at (210) 335-3666 and we will provide assistance in completing the application. Additionally, please have the following documents ready:
- Proof of Citizenship: U.S. Passport, U.S. Birth Certificate, Permanent Resident Card, Certificate of Naturalization
- Proof of Identification: Driver’s license, Identification Card, Military Card. If under 18, Social Security card, student ID, Medicare or other health card
- Proof of Income: All gross income received within 30 days prior to the signature date. This includes paystubs, unemployment benefits, TANF, Social Security and/or SSI, pension, or other income including child support and/or family support.
- CPS Energy Utility Bill

5. If I qualified for help last year, do I have to apply every year?: Yes, this is not automatic assistance for the following program year. Your eligibility ends on December 31st of each year and the Grants requires you to apply for assistance annually. Our staff will calculate if you meet income eligibility based on federal income guidelines as the program may have new requirements for a household to meet in order to receive assistance.

6. Why do I have to resubmit documents I submitted last year?: Grants require submission of supporting documents every year due to change of address, additional family members, income and other changes.

7. How long does it take to process my application?: Staff processes complete applications (with supporting documents and the correct signatures) in four-six (4-6) weeks.

8. What are the hours of operation?

Our Resource Lab is open Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 3:30 PM
Our online application is available Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 8 PM at:
https://bexarcounty.online/utilityassistanceprogram

9. Do you have a Complaint Policy?

Customer Complaint Policy Bexar County Community Impact is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and maintaining a healthy customer relationship. We have a Complaint Policy to ensure our division handles complaints as efficiently and effectively as possible. You as our customer are entitled to make a complaint to us. Customers who do not agree with the service, application process and/or outcome of their application may file a complaint with Community Impact, a division of Economic and Community Development. Clients may file a complaint in person, by phone or in writing.
- Complaint via Front Lobby: We address complaints filed via the front lobby depending on the availability. If Team Lead is unavailable, please provide the following to the Front Lobby Representatives Your Name, Contact Number, and Brief description of the complaint. Front Lobby staff will inform the Team Lead of your complaint and attempt to arrange an appointment. A follow up will occur within 24 hours of your complaint.
- Complaint by Phone: We address complaints filed via phone depending on the availability. Phone Representatives will inform the Team Lead of your complaint and attempt to arrange a call transfer. If the Team Lead is unavailable, please provide the following to the Phone Representatives: Your Name, Contact Number, and Brief description of the complaint. A follow up will occur within 24-48 hours of your complaint.
- Written complaint: We address complaint filed via mail or email upon receipt. Please provide the following information: Your Name, Contact Number, and Brief Description of the complaint. Team members will inform the Team Lead of your complaint. If the Team Lead is unavailable, a follow up will occur within 24-48 hours of your complaint.
Handling Your Complaint
- Our goal is to resolve complaints in a timely manner; some concerns may take longer than 30 calendar days to resolve. A member of our team will arrange a follow up meeting or call to provide an update. We will keep you informed of the progress on your complaint, proposed actions and the expected timeframe for a resolution

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Elections - VbM - ABBM

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1. Will the voting clerk automatically send me an Application to Vote by Mail?

No. Senate Bill 1 makes it illegal for County Elections Administrators to send mail ballot applications, including to already eligible voters 65 and older. The voter must reach out and specifically request an application to vote by mail.

The application is available to download as a fillable form:

2. How do I get an Application for Ballot by Mail?

The application is available to download as a fillable form:

Alternatively, it can be downloaded, completed by hand, and mailed to:

Early Voting Clerk
1103 S. Frio, Suite 200
San Antonio, Texas 78207-6328

Please complete and return your application no later than 11 days prior to the election for which the ballot is being requested.

Any ABBM sent to the Elections Department is required to have an original hand signature to be kept on file.

Electronic signatures CAN NOT be accepted.

Additionally, the Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) is applicable for military and overseas voters. These voters will not use the ABBM forms. The FPCA can be found on FVAP.gov.

3. When can a qualified voter submit their Annual Ballot by Mail (ABBM) application?: Voters may begin to submit Annual Ballot by Mail (ABBM) on or after January 1 of the calendar year in which the voter wishes to receive ballots. [§ 86.0015]

4. How long is the Annual ABBM valid?: The Annual ABBM is valid from the time the early voting clerk receives it until the end of the calendar year or until the voter submits a change in registration information. Thus, the Annual ABBM expires on December 31 of the current year, regardless of when the voter submitted the application to the early voting clerk. [§ 86.0015(b)]

5. Is the Annual ABBM sufficient for all elections in which the voter is eligible to vote?: Yes. The voter will receive a ballot as long as they qualify for the proceeding election.

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Elections - VbM - Ballot

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1. How will I receive my ballot?: Once a completed ABBM or Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) is received and processed, a paper ballot will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service to the address on file.

2. How soon must I return my ballot?: Any ballots returned must be postmarked no later than 7:00 PM on Election Day. If you are mailing your ballot from outside the United States, your ballot must be delivered to the Elections Department no later than five (5) days after Election Day.

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Elections - VbM - Party

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1. Why did I have to indicate party preference on my Application for a Ballot by Mail (ABBM)?: Because a voter cannot participate in both parties' primary elections, a voter MUST indicate, when voting by mail, their party preference to ensure they receive the correct ballot style.

2. Where do I select the party of my choice?: In Section 4 of the Application to Vote by Mail under the Primary Election section.

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Fire Marshal - Dispatch 1 - Common

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1. What is Fire Communications?: The Fire Marshal’s Office/Office of Emergency Management Communications Division is co-located with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at the Emergency Communications Center. This division, referred to as Bexar County Fire Dispatch, is comprised of eleven (11) full-time Telecommunications Officers, and two (2) part-time Telecommunications Officers who staff the Communications Center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The division provides an essential service that provides emergency dispatch services for 38 fire stations, 12 Emergency Services Districts, 13 municipal cities, and for all Fire Marshal and Office of Emergency Management personnel.

2. What are the daily duties of a fire communications officer?

Answers emergency and non-emergency calls from the general public and routes calls to other public safety agency dispatchers as needed
Enters call subject matter into computer and prioritizes calls for service
Enters all pertinent information regarding all calls for service into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system
Dispatches for all fire departments in unincorporated Bexar County for medical and fire responses
Maintains the location of all Fire Department, Fire Marshal and Office of Emergency Management personnel
Assigns call requests as a single service (law enforcement or fire/EMS) dispatcher over a two-way radio to law enforcement responders or fire/EMS responders in vicinity to investigate incident or provide assistance
Responds to requests for information regarding CAD incident numbers, case numbers, arrival times, citizen addresses and other Public Safety Communications information
Researches law enforcement databases to verify information on individuals, such as driver’s license validity, existence of protective orders, missing person stolen/recovered vehicle, warrants, vehicle registration and criminal history
Maintains public safety responder location and en route status logs
Assists training new employees in procedures for dispatching, radio communications, notification of proper personnel, operation of telecommunication equipment, documentation of calls and other related procedures

3. What will my training look like?

Below are a few examples of what your training might look like.

Week 1: Introduction, Policies, Recording, Website
Weeks 2-3: Standard operating guidelines, call taking, preparing computer aided dispatch (CAD) incidents, radio monitoring, prepare shift change email
Weeks 4-6: Call taking, preparing computer aided dispatch (CAD) incidents, Monitoring of and keeping a written or typed log of radio traffic
Weeks 7-10: Call taking, CAD – Performing all functions, handling radio traffic and dispatching calls for service
Weeks 11-14: Call taking, CAD – all functions, radio traffic – dispatching calls for service, Texas Criminal Information Center/National Criminal Information Center functions
Weeks 15-16 (GHOST Phase - Evaluation for release from training): Call taking; CAD – all functions; radio – dispatching all calls for service, answering all radio traffic and responding to radio traffic, Texas Criminal Information Center/National Criminal Information Center functions

4. Can I work remotely?: No, the position of fire communications officer requires you to work out of a secure facility in Bexar County.

5. What will my working hours look like?: With our services being a critical and life-saving resource for Bexar County residents, you will work in a rotating shift assignment that includes nights, weekends, and holidays. 9-1-1 needs to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

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Fire Marshal - Dispatch 3 - Changer

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1. What is the starting salary?: The position of public safety dispatcher has a starting salary of $3,246.00 monthly.

2. What benefits does Bexar County offer?

Bexar County offers employees a competitive salary, retirement, and benefits. Many employee benefits are available to an employee’s spouse/plus one qualifying adult and dependent child(ren). Employee benefits are strategically designed to support an employee and family, and work/life balance.

You’re welcome to review the Benefits Guide for more details.

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Fire Marshal - Fire Inspection FAQs

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1. What authority does the County have to conduct Fire Inspections?: Bexar County Fire Marshal's Office conducts fire/safety inspections based on a Fire Code requirement that all commercial, public accessible, and multi-family residential buildings be maintained in a fire safe condition. The state law that provides authority to the County to conduct inspections is the LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 352. COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION, 352.016(b). INSPECTION OR REVIEW OF PLAN FOR FIRE OR LIFE SAFETY HAZARDS.

2. Why does the County conduct Fire Inspections?: There are two general reasons why fire/safety inspections are conducted. (1) To ensure that any building in which the general public enters for business, entertainment, social, religious, or other purposes is maintained in a fire safe status. (2) Fire safety inspections provide the owner/occupant of the building an indication of fire/safety hazards so they may correct the hazards to reduce their liability and potential for loss due to a fire.

3. What is a Fire Code?: A Fire Code is a group of fire safety requirements that are developed to protect a specific type of operation, to protect the occupants of a building from fire, and to reduce the potential for a fire to start. These requirements are developed based on information gathered from around the county that have caused fires in the past. A significant amount of investigation and research is conducted to determine the actual cause of fire before an item becomes a part of the Fire Code. Once a Fire Code has been adopted by a County, it becomes the County Law that regulates fire safety. Failure to comply with the Fire Code can result in citations and fines.

The Fire Code used by Bexar County is part of a series of Codes that are designed to do two specific things: (1) to protect the lives of the people who enter, work, visit, or otherwise occupy a building, and (2) to ensure that all aspects of the construction of a building, and the operations or functions performed within a building are done in a fire safe manner.

4. What Fire Code does the County enforce?: Bexar County utilizes the International Fire Code as adopted by the Bexar County Commissioners Court under the authority granted by the LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 233. COUNTY REGULATION OF HOUSING AND OTHER STRUCTURES. In Bexar County the International Fire Code takes precedence over any other codes normally utilized by state agencies because the State Law allows the County to enforce its code in lieu of other minimum codes.

5. Why does the County charge a fee for conducting a fire inspection?: The small fee that is charged for a fire inspection is to help offset the cost of having the tools, equipment, and personnel necessary to ensure fire safety in the County. These services are paid for by taxes within incorporated cities, but taxes cannot be used to pay for these services in the unincorporated County, so fees must be charged to recover the cost of the inspections. Fire/Safety inspections are a vital part of the rating system that establishes the insurance rates the citizens of Bexar County pay for home and business insurance.

6. How often does the County conduct a fire/safety inspection?: Every effort is made to inspect all business in the County on an annual basis. While we try to inspect each year on approximately the same date, this is not always possible. Our policy is to inspect approximately one year from the last inspection, within the same month.

7. A Fire Inspector found a violation of the Fire Code in my building; what must I do?: If a violation is found that is a maintenance related problem, the Fire Inspector will provide a date (generally 30 days) to correct the violation. If the violation can be corrected during the inspection, it will be noted on the inspection form that the correction has already taken place.

If a violation is found that will require the alteration or installation of new equipment or safety features, the Fire Inspector will indicate this on the report, and provide a date to submit a written proposal to the Fire Marshal's Office that will include an anticipated date that you can make the necessary corrections. Each written request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis depending on the type of repair/installation that is needed. If the request is within a reasonable time limit, and a reasonable level of safety can be maintained, an extension to comply will generally be granted.

8. The Fire Inspector told me that a re-inspection is necessary, why?: A re-inspection becomes necessary when a violation is found that cannot be corrected at the time of the inspection. The reason for the re-inspection is to produce the documentation showing the violation has been corrected, and that the building is then in compliance with all applicable codes and laws.

9. If I fail to make corrections to a fire code violation, what happens?: Initially, the Fire Inspector will issue a Notice of Violation. The Notice will indicate a date that the violation must be corrected by. The Fire Marshal's Office will make every effort to work with the building owner/occupant to bring the building into compliance without having to take further legal action. However, if the building owner/occupant continues to resist efforts to correct a fire hazard, the owner/occupant is subject to arrest and prosecution as indicated in the LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 352. COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION, 352.022. PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ORDER.

10. Why am I being told I have to install a Fire Alarm System?: The requirements to install a fire alarm system are based on several factors that are found in current buildings (as well as buildings being built). These factors include the type of building classification, the number of people that can be in the building (based on maximum number of people), and size of the building.

A fire alarm system is considered a life safety system. It is designed to operate automatically when either a manual pull station is activated or when smoke is detected by a smoke detector. Upon activation, it will notify the building occupants by flashing lights and a loud sound to evacuate the building.

A fire alarm system is also one of the two most important fire protection systems that can be installed in a building to protect the contents, inventories, stock, merchandise, tools and equipment, and the lives of those people who work in the building and those who visit the building.

11. Why am I being told I have to install a Fire Sprinkler System?: The requirements to install a fire sprinkler system are based on several factors that are found in current buildings (as well as buildings being built). These factors include the type of building classification, size of the building, and the contents of the building.

A fire sprinkler system is considered a life safety system. It is designed to operate automatically when a certain amount of heat at the ceiling level activates a sprinkler head and causes water to flow. This water flow will either completely extinguish a fire or hold the fire from progressing further until the fire department can arrive. National Fire Protection Association statistics indicate that in almost all cases, only one or two sprinkler heads activate when a fire actually occurs.

A fire sprinkler system is also one of the two most important fire protection systems that can be installed in a building to protect the contents, inventories, stock, merchandise, tools and equipment, and the lives of those people who work or reside in the building and those who visit the building.

Contrary to the popular TV version of fire sprinklers, the activation of one sprinkler head does not cause all heads to go off and flood a building.

12. Is my building is "Grandfathered" from having to meet current codes?: This is a misconception or myth. There are no provisions in either the Local Government Code or the International Fire or Building Codes that allows a building to exist in an unsafe condition. The LOCAL GOVERNMENT, CODE CHAPTER 352. COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION, 352.016. INSPECTION OR REVIEW OF PLAN FOR FIRE OR LIFE SAFETY HAZARDS item (6) specifically indicates that our inspections shall look for inappropriate means of egress, fire protection, or other fire-related safeguard. Additionally, the Fire Code indicates the following:

110.1.1 Unsafe conditions. Structures or existing equipment that are or hereafter become unsafe or deficient because of inadequate means of egress or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or which involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition. A vacant structure that is not secured against unauthorized entry as required by Section 311 shall be deemed unsafe.

13. How is the occupant load for my building calculated?: The occupant load for a building is based on the number of people that can be in a specific area of a building. It uses the actual square foot of a room or area multiplied by a factor indicated in the Fire Code for that type of room use. The total occupant load for a building is calculated by adding all of the various room/area occupant loads together.

Certain types of rooms are exempt from calculation, such as a bathroom, because the bathroom would normally be occupied by someone from one of the other calculated rooms.

The occupant load indicator listed in the Fire Code is different for different types of room uses; for example, an area used for an office does not need as much room as a room where manufacturing equipment is used. The seating area of a church with fixed pews is different from the seating area of a restaurant.

14. My business is regulated or licensed by the State, and they use the Life Safety Code; why is the Fire Inspector telling me I have to comply with the County Fire Code?: The State of Texas uses the Life Safety Code as the minimum safety requirements that a regulated or licensed facility must comply with.

However, Local Government Code allows certain counties the ability to adopt their own Fire Code. Bexar County has adopted the International Fire Code, and this is the Fire Code that all buildings and occupancies located inside Bexar County must comply with. The State Fire Marshal's Office issued a bulletin concerning Foster Homes (No. B-0046-07) explaining this issue in detail. While the bulletin is issued concerning Foster Homes, the state law is applicable in all situations.

A majority of the requirements of the International Fire Code are similar to the Life Safety Code. The fire protection system requirements of the International Fire Code are typically more stringent or more restrictive.

Any inspection conducted under the International Fire Code will meet and/or exceed the minimum requirements that a licensed or regulated facility must comply with.

15. I just started a business and moved into a new building; what do I have to do?: You must obtain a Certificate of Change of Occupancy. In order to get this certificate, you must call the Fire Marshal's Office and schedule a Fire Inspection for Change of Occupancy. An inspection is required because buildings are built based on the contents or operations to be performed inside the building. When the occupancy changes, the Fire Inspector has to check to make sure the fire protection related construction features of the building are consistent with the new occupancy and its contents and operations. You will be advised at the time if additional fire protection systems or fire resistive construction must be added based on your operations. The fee for the inspection is $150.00, and must be paid at the time of the inspection. This fee also covers the cost of one (1) reinspection. The Inspector will collect this fee on-site, and will give you a written receipt for the payment. If the building is found to meet the fire code for your occupancy requirements, the Certificate of Change of Occupancy will be mailed to you. If the building does not meet the specific Fire Code requirements, the Inspector will provide you with information on how to proceed from that point, and who to contact.

16. I want to install fuel tanks at my property; what must I do?: All fueling systems must have a permit to be installed. The fuel tanks must meet the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association and the installation of the tank(s) must be under the supervision of a Fire Inspector. Two sets of plans showing the property lines, the location of any buildings on the property, and the proposed location of the fuel tanks must be submitted for evaluation and approval by the representative that will be installing the tanks. If the tank installation meets all fire code requirements, a permit will be issued.

17. I believe I saw a fire code violation at a business I visited; what can I do about it?: You can call the Fire Marshal's Office (210-335-0300) and register a complaint. You can do this anonymously, but you must have the name of the business, and address and describe what you saw or what you believe was the violation. The Fire Marshal policy is to respond to complaints of this nature within 24 hours, unless there is a clearly defined life safety issue. If a life safety issue is registered, the Inspector will respond within two (2) hours.

18. What does the Inspector look for during an inspection?: Follow this link to a list of items the Inspector will use as part of the fire inspection of your occupancy.
Permits, Checklists & Applications

19. What is an "Exit" Strategy, and why is it important?: The most important thing you can do when you enter a building is to find and know the ways out! During an emergency event, the way that you came in may not be the best way to leave! If you and your loved ones are going to survive an emergency, it is critical that you remain calm and have a "EXIT strategy" in place.

20. Why does my mobile food vending truck require an annual fire inspection and permit?: An operational permit is required annually for any mobile food vending truck; the vibrations and impacts of a vehicle driving down the road cause deterioration of electrical connections and wiring, as well as gas connections and hoses. Hoses and wiring rub against metal parts and can become dangerous, causing electrical arcing or gas leaks. In addition, the fire inspection assures that the mobile food vendors has, and maintains, any required fire protection equipment, such as fire extinguishers or vent hood extinguishing systems.

To meet the annual requirements, an Application for Registered Operation must be completely filled out, and submitted to the Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office along with the fee listed on the application. Once the Fire Inspector has completed your inspection and all violations, if any, have been corrected, you will be given a sticker with an individual number that is assigned to your facility, and the year that the sticker was awarded.

21. Why does my fuel dispensing operation require an annual fire inspection and permit?: An operational permit is required for fuel dispensing operations, which present multiple hazards that an annual inspection helps to prevent or alleviate. Vehicle accidents involving fuel dispensing operations are frequent; pumps are hit by vehicles; hoses are pulled from pumps by vehicles driving off; tanks are overfilled, spilling flammable and combustible fuels onto the site; and fires are caused by smoking, sparks, and static electricity arcs. Annual inspections help to assure that hoses and pumps are in proper condition; that proper protective structures are in place to prevent vehicles from hitting pumps; that warning signs are in place; and that required fire protection devices, such as fire extinguishers, are in place and are maintained in proper working condition. The annual inspection and permitting also helps to assure that none of the fuel storage tanks are deteriorating and leaking fuel into the ground.

To meet the annual requirements, an Application for Registered Operation must be completely filled out, and submitted to the Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office along with the fee listed on the application. Once the Fire Inspector has completed your inspection and all violations, if any, have been corrected, you will be given a sticker with an individual number that is assigned to your facility, and the year that the sticker was awarded will be punched.

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Fire Marshal - New Construction FAQs

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1. What law regulates the County authority to require building permits?: The County receives its authority to require certain types of permits from the TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, TITLE 7, CHAPTER 233 - SUBCHAPTER C, 233.061- 233.067 233.061- 233.067

2. When is a building permit required in the unincorporated areas of the county?: A building permit is required in the unincorporated areas of the county any time an individual, company, corporation, or group of individuals acting as an organization constructs, builds, or erects a new building to be used for commercial, public accessible, or multi-family residential purposes; OR a pre-built building is located on a piece of property; OR anytime an existing building undergoes a "substantial improvement".

3. Who has to get a building permit?: The owner of the building is ultimately responsible for obtaining a building permit. However any agent who has the owners' authorization, and is acting on behalf of the owner may apply for the building permit.

4. What is a "substantial improvement"?: Bexar County utilizes two definitions to determine what a substantial improvement is and these are found in the TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, TITLE 7, CHAPTER 233 - SUBCHAPTER C, 233.0615. Sec. 233.0615.

5. What is a commercial establishment (building)?: The state law does not provide a definition of a commercial establishment (building). Therefore, the definition that is used by the Fire Marshal's Office is defined in the Commissioner's Court Order authorizing the Adoption and Enforcement of the Fire Code. "Commercial Establishment" means a place where goods and commodities or services are provided, displayed, exchanged, sold or bought. Commissioner's Court Order

6. What is a public accessible building?: The state law does not provide a definition of a public accessible (public) building. Therefore, the definition that is used by the Fire Marshal's Office is defined in the County Commissioners Court Order authorizing the Adoption and Enforcement of the Fire Code. A "Public Building" means a place in which the possession and/or use, as well as the property in it, gives members of the public free access or use and includes buildings in which the public may enter for any purpose, including where an entry fee is charged; or otherwise classified as an occupiable space'. Commissioner's Court Order

7. What is a multi-family residential building?: multi-family residential building is defined in TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, TITLE 7, CHAPTER 233 - SUBCHAPTER C, 233.062(a)(3).
Additionally, the Bexar County Commissioners Court Order authorizing the Adoption and Enforcement of the Fire Code provides that a "Multi-Family Dwelling" means any residential structure consisting of four (4) or more residential dwelling units. A dwelling unit is any single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. 233.062(a)(3)

8. What do I have to do to get a building permit?: Before applying for a building permit, a Building Permit Authorization (BPA) must be obtained from Bexar County Public Works. The BPA must be completed, signed, and approved prior to contacting the Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office for a Building permit. In order to obtain a building permit, you must submit to the Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office two (2) sets of architectural plans, a completed permit application, your completed and signed BPA, and permit fee as established by the Bexar County Commissioners Court. Architectural plans must, at minimum, include a site plan showing the building and distances to the property lines; a floor plan showing all rooms, the intended room use, doors, and room size; building elevations for all four sides; electrical layout; and heating, ventilation, and air/conditioning layout (HVAC).

9. What other permits must be obtained?: After a plan review has been completed, the building permit will indicate any additional permits or work authorizations that will be required. These may include work authorizations or fire protection system permits. Obtaining work authorizations and fire protection system permits are the responsibility of the party or contractor that will perform the particular work.

10. How long does it take to obtain a building permit?: As established in TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, TITLE 7, CHAPTER 233 - SUBCHAPTER C, 233.063 the County has 30 days to review and issue or deny a building permit. All plan reviews are performed on a first-come-first-served basis, and every effort is made to issue the permit as soon as possible. The more accurate and detailed plans the submitted plans are, the quicker the plan review can be completed. Sec. 233.063.

11. How much does a building permit cost?: The cost of a building permit is based on an escalating fee schedule approved by the Commissioners Court. The permit fee also includes the cost of all required inspections and the issuance of the final Certificate of Occupancy (Compliance).
In order to obtain the exact cost of the permit, it is best to contact the Fire Code Section of the Fire Marshal's Office with the total construction cost of the building to receive an accurate permit fee. The minimum cost of construction will be calculated at $25.00 per square foot. All permit fees submitted to the Fire Marshal's Office are NON-REFUNDABLE. Permit fees may be submitted in cash, check, or money order. If payment is in cash, the exact amount of the fee is required.

12. How long is a building permit valid for?: A building permit is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance and construction must start within this timeline. If construction does not start within the 180 days, a permit renewal will be considered by the Fire Marshal on a case-by-case basis.
-Renewal of permits that have not expired – these permits may be renewed by paying the permit and inspection fee only for each permit issued.
-Renewal of permits that have expired – these permits are no longer valid, and the project must be resubmitted as a new project, subject to a new plan review and all applicable fees will be required.

13. What are the Codes used by Bexar County?: Bexar County utilizes and references the 2015 International Code Series and amendments found in the Bexar County Rules for the Enforcement of the International Fire Code and International Building Codes. In addition, references may be made to the National Fire Protection Association standards and other pertinent state laws.

14. What local amendments are enforced by Bexar County?: Bexar County does not enforce City of San Antonio locally developed amendments; however, the County does have local Rules for the Enforcement of the International Fire Code and International Building Code. These local regulations should be consulted during the design of any construction related project. See the Bexar County Local Rules for more information.

15. What inspections are required for my building?: At a minimum, the following inspections are required: structural frame (for any required fire resistance and/or fire separation requirements), electrical rough-in; HVAC rough-in; and final inspection for issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy (Compliance). Any Fire Marshal's Office Inspector or Investigator may conduct an inspection at any time to verify construction documents are on-site. Failure to produce construction documents/permits upon request may result in any of the penalties listed below: penalty assessment, and/or revocation of the permit, and/or refusal to allow final utility connections, and/or denial of the Certificate of Occupancy (Compliance).

16. Who inspects my building project?: Fire Inspectors or Fire Investigators from the Bexar County Fire Marshal's Office will perform the inspection of your building project. These officials will identify any building construction related problems that need correction as well as look for any fire and life safety issues that may need corrections.

17. I'm building a private residence, what permits are required?: The County may only conduct a plan review, issue a residential building permit, and issue a subsequent Certificate of Occupancy (Compliance) if the residential plans are submitted for permitting on a voluntary basis.

There are two situations where the owner may voluntarily seek a residential building permit: (1) a homeowners association requires the building to be permitted through the Fire Marshal's Office, or (2) a lending institution will required a Certificate of Occupancy (Compliance) from the Authority Having Jurisdiction in order to finalize the loan process.

In any situation, the residential owner or residential contractor must meet the requirements of the Texas Residential Construction Commission.

18. How do I get a Certificate of Occupancy for my home?

As indicated in item #17, unless a residential building permit was issued on a voluntary basis, the County does not have legal authority to regulate residential construction, conduct residential construction inspections, or issue a residential Certificate of Occupancy. In Bexar County, in the unincorporated areas of the County, most residential construction has not been constructed under a residential permit, and therefore a residential Certificate of Occupancy does not exist.

Additionally, the County will not conduct a residential construction inspection once the building has been completed due to the amount of damage that would be required in order to inspect structural elements, electrical wiring, heating systems, and gas lines (if installed).

If you need additional documentation concerning this issue, please see the Residential Permitting & Certificates Compliance.

19. I'm building in the San Antonio ETJ, what other requirements must I comply with?: Under State Law, municipalities may enforce certain requirements in unincorporated areas of a county provided those areas fall within the municipalities Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction. In all cases, in addition to meeting all County construction requirements, you should contact City of San Antonio Planning & Development Services Department to verify what city requirements may be enforced on your project. COSA Planning & Development Services Dept.

20. I'm building in the Helotes ETJ, what other requirements must I comply with?: Under State Law, municipalities may enforce certain requirements in unincorporated areas of a county provided those areas fall within the municipalities Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction. In all cases, in addition to meeting all County construction requirements, you should contact the City of Helotes Development Services to verify what city requirements may be enforced on your project. Helotes Development Services

21. How is my property zoned in the County?: In the unincorporated areas of the County (any area not within a municipal city limits) there are no zoning regulations. However, there may be other development regulations that apply to the property. For example, an On-Site Sewer System permit may be required if there is no developed sewer system available. If the property to be constructed on has not been platted, BCFMO must have an Authorization to Issue Permit form completed by Public Works and returned with the permit application. Before any construction work is begun, you must contact Bexar County Infrastructure Services to check on any other regulations that may apply to the property. Makes sure to look at their FAQs!
Bexar County Infrastructure Services

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Parks & Rec: Youth Coach Volunteers

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1. What do I need to do to become a Volunteer Youth Sports Coach?: Apply to be Youth Sports Volunteer Coach (ADD LINK). All volunteer coaches must pass a background check. That check can be completed online and Bexar County Parks & Recreation staff can email the link to prospective coaches. Complete Concussion Training (Mandatory) - https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training/index.html

2. When will I find out if I have been selected to coach a team?: Teams are formed the week following the last day of registration. Once we have assessed how many teams we will have, we will begin to assign coaches to teams. Once this is completed, a Parks & Recreation staff will contact you to notify you that you have been assigned a team and to inform you of when the Coaches’ Orientation meeting will be. This meeting will be virtual.

3. When are practices held?: All practices will be scheduled at Rodriguez Park. Once we have assessed how many teams we will have a schedule will be created of 1 hour time blocks for practice Monday- Friday starting at 6pm. Recreation Coordinator will assign slots, younger teams will receive the earliest slots.

4. When are the games?: Game schedules vary for each sport, but the majority of our sports are programmed for Saturday games and possibly Sunday dependent on number of teams.

5. Do I have to provide my own equipment?: No, you do not have to provide anything. We will provide the necessary basic equipment specific to each sport.

6. Do I have to have a child in the program to be eligible to coach?: No, you do not. We are looking for applicants who have the time, dedication, and passion for sports to offer to the youth athletes of our city.

7. Will my child be on the team that I coach?: Yes, in application please add your child's information.

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Pretrial Services - Hiring

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1. Is work from home an option?: After the probationary period, and as long as there is no disciplinary action pending against the employee, the employee may submit an application for work from home. Work from home is done on a rotating basis and the employee may be called into the office at any time during their work-from-home period. Some examples of needing to come into the office while you are working from home would be if another officer calls in to work; you may be asked to testify in court, you may need to transport a defendant or meet with one individually, or any number of reasons. Finally, Pretrial Services employees may be called back to permanent in-office work and work from home terminated at any time.

2. How long is the training period?: Training can last anywhere from 3 weeks to a few months depending on the unit the employee is placed in and how quickly the individual can learn and apply the information.

3. What kind of advancement opportunities they have to promote within the department?: The Pretrial Bond Officer I is an entry-level officer position. As long as there are vacancies and the employee meets the minimum qualifications for the position they would like to promote into, there is room for advancement. The Pretrial Bond Officer III is our highest-level officer; the next level to promote to would be a supervisor. With the experience gained and with a good work ethic established; it is always possible to apply and grow with other positions within the county.

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Public Defender - FAQs

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1. Do I have a Public Defender or Court appointed attorney?: If the Public Defender’s Office is appointed, you will receive a letter from the Public Defender’s Office or if you are in jail, you will get a visit from your Public Defender within 72 hours.

2. What’s the difference between a Public Defender and a Court appointed attorney?: Members of the private bar may be appointed to represent accused persons who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. The difference is the Public Defender’s Office is a department within Bexar County. A court can appoint the Public Defender’s Office to represent accused persons who do not have the money to hire a lawyer.

3. If I am in jail, how will my Public Defender contact me?: Your Public Defender will visit you on video within 72 hours.

4. Can I hire or change to a Public Defender?: The Public Defender’s Office does not take applications nor can they be hired. Public Defenders are assigned by the Courts or Pretrial Services.

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SBED - Admin Policy 8.0

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1. Section 1: Purpose

Since April 2001, Commissioners Court has established a Small, Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (SMWBE) Program with participation targets of 20% for Minority, and/or Woman-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and/or a minimum of 30% for Small Business Enterprises (SBE). Procurement and contracting dollars spent with a MWBE that also is a SBE will be counted in both categories.

The SMWBE Program was created to ensure small, minority, and women-owned businesses a fair opportunity to compete on the County’s contracts. Similarly, the County promotes SMWBE participation in its Tax Phase-in Program, and with its funded entities and facilities to support the growth and diversity of a regional economy.

The success of the SMWBE Program depends on cooperation of 48 County offices and departments. It focuses on the purchasing, scope of work and data collection processes that are, of necessity, highly variable because the scope of items and purchasing authority by the County is so varied.

2. Section 2: Policy

The County, its contractors, their subcontractors and suppliers, as well as all vendors of Commodities, Equipment, Professional and Personal Services, Maintenance and Construction, shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender or sexual orientation in the award and/or performance of contracts. All individuals and entities doing business, or anticipating doing business, with Bexar County are encouraged to support and implement a program designed to achieve the goal of establishing equal opportunity for all of the citizens of Bexar County.
SMWBE for the purpose of this policy are companies with a certification designation from an authorized certification agency as a woman, small or minority group certification, such as Historically Underutilized Business (HUB), or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), or Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), or Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), or Small Business Enterprise (SBE) , or African American Business Enterprise (AABE), or Asian American Business Enterprise (ABE), or Disabled Individual Business Enterprise (DIBE), or Emerging Small Business Enterprise (ESBE), or Hispanic American Business Enterprise (HABE), or Native American Business Enterprise (NABE), or Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender Enterprise (LGBTE) recognized and approved by Bexar County Commissioners Court.
All bidders, which shall include sub-contractors, sub-suppliers and sub-consultants, are required to provide information identifying ownership for their company by registering in the County Supplier Portal.
All vendors receiving awards for Goods, Commodities, Services, Construction or Professional Services must provide ownership and amount information for all sub-contractors, sub-suppliers and sub-consultants to be engaged before or during the term of the award.
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department (SBED) employees shall avoid any activity that would create a conflict between their personal interests and the interest of Bexar County and will avoid the appearance of unethical or compromising practices in relationships, actions, and communications. The types of activities that should be avoided include: accepting gratuities of any kind valued at more than $25 from current or potential vendors; using confidential proprietary information for actual or anticipated personal gain; or disclosing a vendor’s confidential proprietary information inappropriately to other vendors during the procurement process.
SMWBE participation targets are not included in the evaluation of bids or proposals for awards.
Nothing in this policy is to be construed to require the County to award a contract to other than the lowest responsible bidder as required by law and Bexar County policies and procedures.

3. Section 3: Legal References

These policies will be administered in compliance with procurement law to include:

Standards;
I. Civil Practice and Remedies Code §106.001 (Non-Discrimination)
II. Chapter 262, Texas Local Government Code, (Purchasing and Contracting Authority of Counties)
III. Chapter 271, Texas Local Government Code (Purchasing and Contracting Authority of Municipalities, Counties and Certain other Local Governments)
IV. Government Code Chapter 2251 (Prompt Payment)
V. Health & Safety Code §361.426 (Recycled Product Preferences)
VI. Chapter 2252, Texas Government Code (Contracts with Government)
VII. Chapter 2254, Texas Government Code (Professional Services)
VIII. Chapter 2269, Contracting and Delivery Procedures for Construction Projects and
IX. Chapter 2157, Texas Government Code (Purchasing: Purchasing of Automated Information Systems
X. Local Government Code Chapter 140.003 (Specialized Local Entities)
XI. Texas Constitution Article 3 §44
XII. National Institute of Governmental Purchasers (NIGP): The Institute for Public Procurement
XIII. Bexar County Tax Abatement Guidelines

Bexar County
Commissioners Court Policies:
I. 08.0 Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (SMWBE) Program
II. 08.1 Purchasing Policy and Procedures: detailed procedures for applying this policy and applicable forms are found in the Bexar County Purchasing Manual dated July 2017, as amended.
III. 08.2 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Policy
IV. County Manager’s SMWBE Policy

Auditor Policies:
I. 02.01 C.1 HANDLING OF BEXAR COUNTY CONTRACTS
II. 07.5 P.5 PURCHASING CARDS
III. 10.0 100 FORM 100 - REQUEST FOR PAYMENT
IV. 10.0 501 FORM 501 - CONTRACT CHECKLIST

4. Section 4: Definitions

For the purposes of this policy:

"Availability" means companies, SMWBE and non-SMWBE, that have demonstrated an intent to participate in Bexar County Offices, Departments, Funded Entities and Facilities purchasing and contracting activities and are identified for the purpose of validating and documenting the willingness and capacity of those companies.
"Best Value" means a procurement method that emphasizes value over price. The best value might not be the lowest cost. Generally, achieved through the Request for Proposal (RFP) method. An assessment of the return which can be achieved based on the total life cycle cost of the items; may include an analysis of the functionality of the item; can use cost/benefit analysis to define the best combination of quality, services, time and cost considerations over the useful life of the acquired item.
"Bundling" means the practice of pooling or grouping smaller purchases to leverage purchasing power thus obtaining the benefits of economies of scale or a reduction in administrative expenses.
"Burden of Proof" means the measure of persuasion that is required to convince someone that an alleged fact is true.
"Certification" means a designation as a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB), or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), or Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), or Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), or Small Business Enterprise (SBE) , or African American Business Enterprise (AABE), or Asian American Business Enterprise (ABE), or Disabled Individual Business Enterprise (DIBE), or Emerging Small Business Enterprise (ESBE), or Hispanic American Business Enterprise (HABE), or Native American Business Enterprise (NABE), or Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender Enterprise (LGBTBE) awarded by any authorized agency that a company is a for-profit independent operating business that is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by minority person(s) and/or a woman or women. The ownership by minorities and women must be real and substantial.
"Certification Agency" means an authorized local, state, federal or private sector entity that provides certification services, which consist of vendor submittal of a certification application with supporting documentation, review, and periodic personal interview or site visit to validate claims of SMWBE status.
"Commercially Useful Function" or "CUF" means when a SMWBE is responsible for execution of the work of the contract and is carrying out its responsibilities by actually performing, managing, and supervising the work involved. To perform a commercially useful function, the SMWBE must also be responsible, with respect to materials and supplies used on
the contract, for negotiating price, determining quality and quantity, ordering the materials, and installing (where applicable) and paying for the materials itself. To determine whether a SMWBE is performing a commercially useful function, the contractor must evaluate the amount of the work subcontracted, industry practices, whether the amount the firm is to be paid under the contract is commensurate with the work it is actually performing and the SMWBE credit claimed for its performance of the work, and other relevant factors.
"Component Purchases" means purchases of the component parts of an item that in normal purchasing practices would be purchased in one purchase.
"Contract & Diversity Management System" or "CDMS" is a web-based paperless system that prime vendors shall use to upload contract documents and report sub-contracting, sub-supplier and/or sub-consultant payments made for any sub-contracting, sub-suppliers, sub-consultant performance. Sub-contracting, sub-supplier and/or sub-consultant shall also use to confirm payments and/or submit disputes.
"Contractor" or "Vendor" or "Company" means any individual or business having a contract with a governmental body to furnish goods, services, construction or professional services for an agreed upon price.
"Cooperative Purchasing" or "CO-OP" means the process the County uses to purchase goods and services as outlined in Texas Local Government Code Chapter 262, Purchasing and Contracting Authority of Municipalities, Counties and Certain other Local Government Code Chapter 271, Subchapter F (Cooperative Purchasing Program), and the Bexar County Administrative Purchasing Policy No. 8.1.
"Disadvantaged Business Enterprise" or "DBE" means a for-profit entity that is at least 51% owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged or, in the case of a corporation, in which 51% of the stock is owned by one or more of such individuals and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it (49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 26 Section 26.5) (Separate Application, Personal Net Worth Statement, Financials, Tax Returns and a Site-Visit are required for certification) All DBE Certifications follow the process and procedures as outlined in 49 CFR Part 26 and/or 23.
"Disabled Individual Business Enterprise" or "DIBE" means a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation that is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a Disabled individual. Disabled means a person (a) with one or more disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and amendments thereto, (b) having a record of such disabilities, and (c) regarded as having such disabilities. A person is considered disabled if their disability is chronic, longstanding and can be recognized.
"Demonstrated Intent" means that a firm has expressed their willingness to perform on public contracts. To be classified as willing, the business either had registered with governmental entity, bid on a government contract, secured government certification, or was listed on a business organization’s membership list.
"Exempt Categories of Expenditures" or "ECE" means payments that will not be counted by the County or its prime vendors in establishing the SMWBE Participation Target: (a) utilities; (b) non-profits; (c) other governmental entities; (d) insurance premiums; (e) employee payroll; and (f) employee conference and training seminars as approved by Bexar County Commissioners Court.
"Expertise" means demonstrable skills or knowledge of the field of endeavor in which certification is sought, including licensure where required.
"Joint Venture" or "JV" means a legal entity in the nature of a partnership or association engaged in the joint prosecution of a particular transaction for mutual benefit. In cases of joint ventures between local and out-of-town business enterprises or a non-SMWBE and SMWBE business enterprise, if 51% or more of the contract amount of the work is performed by the local SMWBE business enterprise and 51% or more of the compensation is paid to the local SMWBE, then 100% of that contract amount will be included in the MWBE participation report. If less than 51% of the work is performed by the local business enterprise or an SMWBE, then only that portion of the contract amount will be included in the SMWBE participation report.
"Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender Business Enterprise" or "LGBTBE" means an independent business entity that is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned and controlled by one or more LGBT persons who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, or in the case of any publicly-owned business, at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the equity of which is owned and controlled by one or more LGBT persons who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents; and whose management and daily operation is controlled by one or more of the LGBT owners as certified by the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). The NGLCC is the exclusive, third-party certification body that verifies that eligible businesses are majority-owned by LGBT individuals, and subsequently grants LGBT Business Enterprise® (LGBTBE®) designation to such businesses as part of its LGBT Supplier Diversity Initiative.
"Local Business Enterprise" or "LBE" means a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity (including a Joint Venture exclusively comprised of Local Business enterprises, as herein defined) for the purpose of making a profit, that: (A) is headquartered within Bexar County; (B) has its primary office of operation in Bexar County; or (C) has a local branch office which is (i) physically located within Bexar County; (ii) is the primary product or service supplier for the contract; and (iii) has had twelve consecutive months of operation in Bexar County at the time of contract award.
"Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bidder" means the bidder who fully complied with all of the bid requirements and whose past performance, reputation and financial capability is deemed acceptable and has offered the most advantageous pricing or cost benefit, based on the criteria stipulated in the bid documents.
"Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise" or "MWBE" means a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation owned, operated, and controlled by one or more minority group member(s) or women that have at least 51% ownership. The minority group member(s) or women must have operational and managerial control, interest in capital, and earnings commensurate with the percentage of ownership.
"Minority Group Member" means those persons, citizens of the United States and lawfully admitted resident aliens, who are defined by the US Small Business Administration as Black, African American, Hispanic, Mexican American, Asian American, Asian Pacific American, Asian Indian American or Native American or any other minority or individual as approved by Bexar County Commissioners Court.
"Participation Target" means the SMWBE procurement targeted level. The targeted level is that a minimum of 20 percent for the procurement should be spent with minority and women-owned businesses, and/or a minimum of 30 percent should be spent with small business enterprises. Procurement and contracting dollars spent with a MWBE that also is a SBE will be counted in both categories.
"Participation Report" means a summary of the utilization records that reflect the extent to which the County had used minority, women-owned, and other businesses to secure its needed construction, professional services, and goods and other services at the prime and sub levels. Utilization records are also used to determine the geographical area in which companies that had received County payments were located. The participation of a SMWBE sub-contractor, sub-supplier or sub-consultant will not be counted toward the prime Contractor’s SMWBE achievements until the committed amount has been actually paid to the SMWBE.
"Prime Contractor" or "Prime Vendor" or "Prime Supplier" means a vendor or contractor awarded a contract or purchase order directly from Bexar County.
"Professional Services" are services defined by the State of Texas Professional Services Procurement Act (GC 2254). It applies to acquisition of the following services: accounting, architecture, landscape architecture, land surveying, medicine, optometry, professional engineering, real estate appraisal, or nursing.
"Responsible" means a contractor who is fully capable to meet all of the requirements of the solicitation and subsequent contract. The contractor must possess the full capability, including financial and technical, to perform as contractually required.
"Responsive" means a contractor, business or individual who has submitted a bid or request for proposal that fully conforms in all material respects to the informal Quote, IFB, RFP, SOQ, or RFQ and all of its requirements, including all form and substance.
"Separate Purchases" means purchases, made separately, or items that in normal purchasing practices would be purchased in one purchase.
"Sequential Purchases" means purchases, made over a period, of items that in normal purchasing practices would be purchased in one purchase.
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"Small Business Enterprise" or "SBE means a business entity meeting all criteria outlined in the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines in 49 CFR Part 26, including the CFR 121 Small Business Administration size standards and DOT size cap, but personal net worth is excluded. In making a determination of size standard, processing staff must reference and adhere to §26.65 and 23.33 of the regulations.
"Small, Minority, and Women Owned Business Enterprise" or "SMWBE" means those business entities with a certification designation from an authorized certification agency as a woman, small or a minority group certification, such as a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB), or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), or Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), or Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), or Small Business Enterprise (SBE) , or African American Business Enterprise (AABE), or Asian American Business Enterprise (ABE), or Disabled Individual Business Enterprise (DIBE), or Emerging Small Business Enterprise (ESBE), or Hispanic American Business Enterprise (HABE), or Native American Business Enterprise (NABE), or Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender Enterprise (LGBTE) recognized and approved by Bexar County Commissioners Court.
"Self-Identified SMWBE" means any business entity not certified as a SMWBE, but meeting the SMWBE criteria. Upon successful completion of VENDOR REGISTRATION in response to a Bexar County informal Quote, or Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Request for Proposal (RFP), or Statement of Qualification (SOQ), or Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and in accordance with Section 9 of this policy, may be identified as a SMWBE, as defined herein. The business entity that is not certified as a SMWBE will be identified in the SMWBE Program Report and will be encouraged to obtain certification within 90 days of award to be included in the SMWBE Participation Report.
"Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department" or "SBED" means the staff appointed by Commissioners Court to coordinate and implement the initiatives and programs developed to achieve the intent of this policy.
"SMWBE Advisory Committee" means the committee appointed by Commissioners Court (See Attachment D to this policy).
"SMWBE Directory" means the listing of certified businesses used to identify eligible small, disadvantaged, minority, women, disabled, and veteran business enterprises in pursuit of contracting and procurement opportunities.
"SMWBE Policy" means Bexar County ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY NO. 8.0 Small, Minority, and Women Owned Business Enterprise (SMWBE) Program for Procurement of Commodities, Equipment, Services, Professional and Personal Services, Maintenance and Construction.
"SMWBE Participation Report" means the listing of firms certified as a SMWBE receiving payments from the County as a prime, sub-contractor, sub-consultant or sub-supplier.
"SMWBE Program Report" means the documentation of informal quotes, IFB/RFP/SOQ/RFQ issued, solicited firms, contracts awarded, payments and disputes.
"Solicitation Types" are defined as an informal Quote or Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Request for Proposal (RFP) or Statement of Qualification (SOQ) or Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
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"South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency" or "SCTRCA" means the agency authorized by the Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP) for certification of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), The SCTRCA operates as a Non-Profit thru an Inter-Local with governance by representatives of local public entities for certification of Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE), African American Business Enterprise (AABE), Asian American Business Enterprise (ABE), Disabled Individual Business Enterprise (DIBE), Emerging Small Business Enterprise (ESBE), Hispanic American Business Enterprise (HABE), Native American Business Enterprise (NABE), Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) and Women Business Enterprises (WBE). The SCTRCA receives audits and certifies applications from said businesses in accordance with federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as guidelines adopted by the SCTRCA Board of Directors.
"State of Texas Historically Underutilized Business" or "HUB" means a for-profit entity that has not exceeded the size standard prescribed by 34 TAC §20.294, and has its principal place of business in Texas, and is at least 51 percent owned by an Asian Pacific American, Black American, Hispanic American, Native American, American woman and/or Service Disabled Veteran, who reside in Texas and actively participate in the control, operations and management of the entity’s affairs.
"Sub-Contractor" means a person or business entity employed to perform part of a contractual obligation under the control of the prime contractor. If the SMWBE sub-contractor performs 51% or more of the contract work and 51% or more of the compensation paid to the SMWBE sub-contractor, then 100% of the contract amount will be included in the SMWBE participation report. If the SMWBE sub-contractor performs less than 51% of the work and less than 51% of the compensation is paid to the SMWBE sub-contractor, then only that contract amount will be included in the SMWBE participation report.
"Sub-Consultant" means a person or business entity that gives expert or professional advice for fee or commission for providing bonafide services, such as professional, interior design, technical, contractor, or managerial services, or for providing bonds or insurance. SMWBE credit will be counted only for fees and/or work performed by the SMWBE firm.
"Sub-Supplier" means a person or business entity such as Broker, Dealership, Distributor, Franchise, Manufacturer, Manufacturer Representative, Regular Dealer, Resale/Reseller, Retailer or Wholesaler. SMWBE credit will be counted only for fees and/or work performed by the SMWBE firm.
"Supplier Registration" means the process the County Purchasing Department uses to collect information to contact companies regarding bidding opportunities and awards.
"Supplier Portal" means the Bexar County Purchasing website interface that lets a supplier register as a vendor, bid on open events, control notification settings and view their bid history.
"Unbundling" means the process of dividing a service into smaller portions, in order to encourage competition. It is frequently done on the basis of geography, for example, a large service area, such as a city or county is divided into smaller geographical regions.
"Vendor" means a supplier/seller of goods and services. Departments shall require Vendors to register with the County through the Supplier Portal module of the County’s Financial Management System
"Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise" or "VBE" means a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by an individual who served in the United States active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, and who has at least 51% ownership in applicant firm. Please note: This certification type should not be confused with the Service Disabled Veteran designation available through the Small Business Administration.

5. Section 5: Program Goals

The best management practices employed by the County consist of implementation of an aggressive tracking and monitoring system and progressive SMWBE outreach activities and mentoring services. The County’s strategies are designed to deliver innovative solutions to increase the effectiveness of its Program. The standard benchmark regarding the effectiveness of SMWBE Programs is to increase both the dollar amount and percentage of services and supplies the agency procures from SMWBE.
The County will continue to foster its best management practices and further build the capacity of SMWBE in its market area as follows:

The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department Director, Purchasing Agent, and a representative from each County department and office, will meet periodically to review the anticipated procurement opportunities for the fiscal year for the purpose of achieving the County’s overall SMWBE participation targets as established by Commissioners Court.
The SMWBE Participation Targets of 20% for Minority, and/or Woman-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and/or a minimum of 30% for Small Business Enterprises (SBE) will apply to all Bexar County procurement and contracting as outlined in Section 1 of this policy. Procurement opportunities shall be reviewed on an individual basis for the purpose of establishing higher or lower participation targets based on the availability of SMWBE.
The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department is responsible for managing the effectiveness of the policy. Unless otherwise directed by Commissioners Court, a written report will be provided on a quarterly and annual basis to the SMWBE Advisory Committee, after such time and at the next available scheduled meeting, a report will be provided to the Commissioners Court.
The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department will be responsible for issuing an annual report which shall reflect the County’s performance and if necessary, recommend new countywide participation targets to be approved by Commissioners Court. The report shall include information about business entity availability and participation efforts in the county purchasing and contracting process, as well as contract awards to SMWBE and non-SMWBE as outlined in Attachment B.

6. Section 6: Administration

Bexar County Offices, Departments, Funded Entities and Facilities will actively seek and encourage SMWBE to participate in all facets of the procurement process by:

Maintaining, updating and providing access to a database of vendors, suppliers and contractors that qualify as SMWBE, including their products and areas of expertise that is downloadable, exportable and at no cost to the general public. Requests for printed copies may have a reasonable charge accessed;
Developing and implementing an educational and training program for the purchasing departments, county offices, funded entities and facilities buyers to increase the use of SMWBE;
Developing and implementing an educational and training process for documenting the solicitation and rotation of firms for the purchase of goods and services made with the use of cooperative purchasing agreements, inter-locals or other programs;
Establishing, implementing and maintaining a communication process with SMWBE and non-SMWBE vendors, suppliers, professionals and contractors in order to involve them in the procurement process and provide documentation of those efforts to the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department;
Advertising for bid submissions in local community newspapers may be utilized to notify area vendors, suppliers and contractors as to the availability of contracting opportunities on a rotating basis within each represented ethnic/social economic group. The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department shall provide the Purchasing Agent a listing of publications;
Submitting notices (IFB, RFQ, SOQ or RFP) to the SBED, City of San Antonio’s Department of Economic Development Small and Minority Business Enterprise Program, SCTRCA, various Chambers of Commerce, CivCast, Bexar County Infor Portal and Contracts & Diversity Management System (CDMS) and/or other business advocacy groups;
Providing SMWBE reports, through Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department, to the Commissioners Court for all purchasing and contract award information on a semi-annual basis;
Encouraging SMWBE participation at pre-bid conferences; and
Developing and encouraging the promotion and use of the Electronic Purchasing Notice and Document Distribution System at no cost to the vendor.

7. Section 7: Certification

Certification retains the SMWBE program integrity and optimizes SMWBE participation in Bexar County contracting through an evaluation process.

Bexar County may rely on the certification credentials granted by the State of Texas, South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA), or other agencies approved by Bexar County Commissioners Court to identify eligible Small, Minority and/or Woman owned Businesses for contracting and purchasing activities.
Bexar County may utilize the State of Texas, SCTRCA or other agencies to provide information regarding certification for small, minority and women-owned businesses. The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department will monitor the services provided by the SCTRCA and other agencies authorized by Texas Unified Certifying Program (TUCP) and make quarterly reports to the SMWBE Advisory Committee.
Any vendor SMWBE certification recognized by Bexar County and provided by the State of Texas, SCTRCA or any other agency is based on the certification credentials contemplated in this policy.
The SMWBE Advisory Committee and the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department are jointly responsible for developing criteria for a performance review and evaluation of the State of Texas and SCTRCA on at least an annual basis. The review will include, but is not limited to: (a) actions needed if State of Texas or SCTRCA actions are in conflict with the intent of this Policy; (b) availability, dependability and credibility of vendor database; and (c) county and public access and monitoring capabilities of the State of Texas or SCTRCA vendor database.
A company may appeal a decision made by the State of Texas, SCTRCA or other agencies, to deny said company a Certification, to the Commissioners Court through the Bexar County Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department.

8. Section 8: Solicitation and Award of Commodities, Equipment, Maintenance, Construction, Services and Professional Services and Personal Services Under $50,000

(a) COMMODITIES, EQUIPMENT, MAINTENANCE, CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICES

County departments and offices are highly encouraged to make an effort to use SMWBE for authorized purchases that are estimated to cost less than $5,000 by using vendor lists in CDMS or the Lawson Supplier portal to document the expenditures.
County departments and offices will document attempts to solicit bids or proposals from SMWBE for competitive purchases that are estimated to cost between $5,000 and $50,000 using vendor lists and/or price tabulations.

(b) PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES

The County departments and offices will document attempts to solicit proposals utilizing SMWBE for the purchase of professional and personal services using vendor lists and/or price tabulations.

9. Section 9: Solicitation and Award of Commodities, Equipment, Maintenance, Construction, Services and Professional Services and Personal Services Over $50,000

(a) COMMODITIES, EQUIPMENT, MAINTENANCE, CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICES

In accordance with Local Government Code Section 262.023(a), the purchase of commodities, equipment and/or services (non-professional services), maintenance or construction in excess of $50,000 requires a formal/competitive bidding process. Nothing in this policy is to be construed to require the County to award a contract to other than the lowest responsible bidder as required by this state law.
The Purchasing Department will document attempts to solicit bids or proposals from a minimum of three SMWBE for competitive purchases that are estimated to cost over $50,000 using vendor lists and/or price tabulations.
The purchase of professional and personal services will be performed in accordance with law, County policies, the Professional Services Procurement Act (Chapter 2254 of the Texas Government Code), or the County Purchasing Act (Section 262 of the Texas Local Government Code).

(b) PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES

County departments and offices will document attempts to solicit proposals utilizing SMWBE for the purchase of professional and personal services using vendor lists and/or price tabulations.

10. Section 10: Vendor Responsibilities

The vendor is required to complete and submit a VENDOR REGISTRATION FORM as shown in Attachment C of this policy in response to a County IFB, RFP, SOQ or RFQ. A vendor’s bid or proposal may be declared non-responsive if the completed VENDOR REGISTRATION FORM is not included.
In conjunction with completing the forms, the vendor will comply with the following criteria:
- (A) To the extent practical, and consistent with standard and prudent industry practices, vendors are encouraged to divide the contract work into the smallest feasible portions to allow for maximum SMWBE sub-contractor, sub-supplier and/or sub-consultant participation.
- (B) Notify SMWBE in writing or by electronic means when SMWBE opportunities are available, allowing sufficient time for effective participation of the work the vendor plans to for sub-contracting, sub-supplier and/or sub-consultant participation. The notification shall include, but is not being limited to the following:
- (i.) Provide information concerning the intended sub-contracting, sub- supplier and/or sub-consultant scope of work;
- (ii.) Provide bonding and insurance requirements that the SMWBE sub-contractor, sub-supplier and/or sub-consultant will be required to fulfill; and
- (iii.) Provide a point of contact (name, title, phone number, and address, etc.) within the vendor’s organization that can answer any question a SMWBE may have concerning the project.
Provide SMWBE that are genuinely interested in the project with adequate information about the project (i.e. plans & specifications, and scope of work, etc.) and any other information that will prove beneficial to the SMWBE.
Provide written notice/explanation to the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department when a SMWBE sub-contractor, sub-supplier and/or sub-consultant participation bid or price quotation/proposal is rejected, unless another SMWBE was selected to perform the same job.

For those vendors that experience difficulty in locating certified SMWBE, a list or access to online database (which is exportable at no cost to the vendor) will be provided to the vendor by the Bexar County Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department.

In order for the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department to supply the list, vendors must provide the following in regards to the project:

A. A detailed description of work concerning the intended sub-contracting, sub-supplier or sub-consultant scope of work
B. The estimated dollar amount of the work to be subcontracted to SMWBE; and
C. Bonding and insurance requirements the SMWBE subcontractor will be required to fulfill.

11. Section 11: Documentation And Reporting

Documentation of efforts to solicit quotes, bids and/or proposals from SMWBE shall be part of the procurement record and consist of the following actions.

Prime Vendors must report all payments to sub-contractors, sub-suppliers, and/or sub-consultants to Bexar County. Payments made to all sub-contractors, sub-suppliers, and/or sub-consultants are tracked on a monthly basis. A semi-annual report including information on solicitations, contracts awarded and payments made to prime vendors and sub-contractors, sub-suppliers, and/or sub-consultants is provided to the Commissioners Court by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department.
The Contract and Diversity Management System (CDMS) is a web-based paperless system that Prime vendor shall use to report sub-contracting payments made to SMWBE for any sub-contracting, sub-suppliers, and/or sub-consultant tier-level.
The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department staff will verify payments and seek to resolve any disputes. Staff provides training and education for all prime and sub-vendors.

12. Section 12: Administration of Vendor Data

Elected Officials are encouraged to participate in the administration of vendor data.

To facilitate the measurement and management of the SMWBE program, data shall be collected and validated as follows:

Database Record of Solicitation (Informal Quote, IFB, RFP, SOQ or RFQ):

(A) The procuring entity (Purchasing, Public Works, Facilities or Auditor) shall maintain a database record for each informal Quote, IFB, RFP, SOQ, or RFQ issued. Revisions or amendments to an informal Quote, IFB, RFP, SOQ, or RFQ shall be associated with, tiered, or linked to the originals.
(B) When an informal Quote, IFB, RFP, SOQ, or RFQ or related notices sent to potential vendors are returned as undeliverable, the procuring entity shall contact and work with the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department so that such addresses for SBE and MWBE can be validated and corrected in all County databases.
(C) For each proposal or response to an informal Quote, IFB, RFP, SOQ, or RFQ received from a prospective SBE or MWBE vendor, the procuring entity (Purchasing, Public Works, Facilities or Auditor) shall be responsible for entering the following data and verifying its accuracy:
- (I) Vendor registration status and vendor number (which shall be compared with the County’s databases);
- (II)Vendor certification as SBE and/or MWBE (which shall be verified with the certifying agency the vendor has stated on its vendor registration form);
- (III) Commodity code applicable to the informal Quote, IFB, RFP, SOQ, or RFQ
- (IV) Vendor commodity code(s) for the vendor certification being claimed (which shall be compared to the commodity code applicable to the informal Quote, IFB, RFP, SOQ, or RFQ, to verify that the vendor is an SBE and/or MWBE in that commodity code). If the vendor commodity code for the vendor certification being claimed does not match the commodity code applicable to the informal Quote, IFB, RFP, SOQ, or RFQ, the procuring entity shall notify the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department and the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department shall attempt (CUF) to confirm that the vendor is an SBE and/or MWBE for that commodity code and report back to the procuring entity.

Database Record of Contract Award:

(A) The procuring entity (Purchasing, Public Works, Facilities or Auditor) shall maintain an electronic record (CDMS, EXCEL or Lawson INFOR) for each contract awarded.
(B) For each contract awarded, the procuring entity (Purchasing, Public Works, Facilities or Auditor) shall be responsible for entering the following contract data and verifying its accuracy:
- (I) The document (i.e., Purchase Order, IFB, RFP, SOQ or RFQ) number that resulted in the contract
- (II) The competition type (i.e., informal Quote, IFB, RFP, SOQ, RFQ, Co-Op, sole source or Emergency)
- (III) Whether all or a significant portion of the work will be performed by the vendor at an address in Bexar County—as opposed to merely being delivered to Bexar County from a vendor’s headquarters or location outside of Bexar County—or whether all or a significant portion of the work will be performed by the vendor at an address outside of Bexar County (which shall be determined by reviewing the vendor’s proposal or response).
(C) The database record for each informal Quote, IFB, RFP, SOQ or RFQ issued shall be linked to the database record for the resulting contract award to the maximum extent practicable, for ease of reporting and data analysis.

Audit of database records:

(A) The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department compliance staff shall:
- (I) Annually audit a subset of database records of informal quotes, IFB/RFP/SOQ/RFQ issued, and contracts awarded;
- (II) Verify and update the supplier and vendor databases;
- (III) Periodically review the utilization of vendors on pre-approved supplier/vendor lists; and
- (VI) Provide semi-annual and annual reports to the SMWBE Advisory Committee and Commissioners Court.

13. Section 13: Responsible Offices

In order to fully implement the intent and goals of this policy, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department is designated the office responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and general operations of the SMWBE policy requirements. In addition, all County offices, funded entities and facilities are required to identify a liaison to assure compliance with the County’s goals and to coordinate with the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department. The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department shall be responsible for the overall administration of the County’s SMWBE Program.

1. The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department:

(A) Establish procedures for the implementation of the policy;
(B) Verify payments to sub-contractors, sub-suppliers and sub-consultants, and seek to resolve any disputes and provide training on the Contract and Diversity Management System (CDMS);
(C) Develop and implement educational programs to assist SMWBE to compete effectively for County contracts;
(D) Compile a written quarterly report reflecting program statistics and the progress in attaining the county established SMWBE participation levels;
(E) Receive and review all internal and external complaints and recommendations regarding the implementation of the SMWBE policy;
(F) Audit compliance with the SMWBE policy on all purchases before, after award, during the performance of the contract and after completion;
(G) Review, develop and provide access to a directory of certified SMWBE and those in the certification process;
(H) Establish outreach activities and materials (English and Spanish languages) to provide information and needed assistance to SMWBE to increase their participation in the County’s procurement, contracting and certification process;
(I) Provide staff support for the SMWBE Program Advisory Committee;
(J) Monitor and report compliance issues regarding the TUCP, State of Texas HUB Office, South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency and other certifying entities;
(K) Work with departments to identify SMWBE for use in the purchase of professional and personal services;
(L) Develop and implement a training program for Offices and Departments to increase the posting of notices, solicitation, documentation and use of SMWBE;
(M) Establish efforts to build and maintain partnerships with other public and non-profit agencies and private enterprise organizations for the Purpose outlined in this policy;
(N) Establish and maintain a communication process with SMWBE and non-SMWBE vendors, suppliers, professionals and contractors to involve them in the procurement process and provide documentation of those efforts;
(O) Contact bidders who fail to submit the requisite SMWBE documentation;
(P) Work with the County Clerk’s Office to obtain assistance with all awards, contracts and information. As per State Statutes, the County Clerk is responsible for maintaining the records of Commissioners Court, Probate Courts, County Courts at Law, and Real Property Records. The County Clerk is also charged with recording all public records, including state and federal tax liens, DD 214’s, UCC records, assumed business names, deputations, notice of trustee sales, public notices, personal financial statements, official bonds, statement of elected/appointed official, and vital statistics such as marriage licenses, birth, and death records through 1967 for births and deaths that occurred outside city limits, but within Bexar County.
(Q) Furnish information to procuring entities to enable them to carry out their responsibilities pursuant to Section 11 of this Policy; and
(R) Perform other duties assigned by the Commissioners Court to comply with the intent of this policy.

2. The Purchasing Department:

(A) Provide the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department with the contract award information by maintaining the online SMWBE Contract and Diversity Management System;
(B) Assist the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department with recommendations to the Commissioners Court and the SMWBE Advisory Committee regarding the implementation of the SMWBE policy;
(C) Assist the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department during the purchase of County commodities, services, and professional and personal services covered by this policy;
(D) Assist the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department and Bexar County departments, offices, funded entities and facilities with outreach activities and materials to provide information and assistance to SMWBE for participation in the County’s procurement and contracting processes;
(E) Provide the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department notification of all competitive County purchasing opportunities valued over $50,000;
(F) Utilize an electronic purchasing notification and document distribution systems for posting opportunities and response by all vendors;
(G) Resolve all internal and external complaints, and facilitate termination, demand for payment, cure notice, show cause and debarment procedures when deemed necessary in accordance with the law and County purchasing policies and procedures: and
(H) Perform data entry and validation as set forth in Section 11 of this Policy.

3. The County Auditor:

(A) Provides the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department reports of all expenditures of county funds for compliance with the SMWBE Policy provisions as outlined throughout the Purchasing Manual and SMWBE Policy.

4. County departments, offices, funded entities and facilities are encouraged to take steps necessary to implement the following:

(A) Require Vendors, Sub-Contractors, Sub-Suppliers and Sub-Consultants to register with the County through the Supplier Portal module of the County’s Financial Management System;
(B) Actively use a directory of certified SMWBE provided by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department for County purchases;
(C) Assist the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department with the review of complaints and make recommendations regarding the implementation of the SMWBE policy;
(D) Provide assistance to the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department with compliance to the SMWBE policy on purchases of all procurement before the award, after award, during the performance of the contract and after completion; and
(E) Assist the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department with outreach activities and materials to provide information and needed assistance to SMWBE to increase their participation in the County’s procurement, and contracting process.

14. Section 14: County Responsibilities

It is the policy of Bexar County that employees engaged in the process of making purchases on behalf of the County will make an effort to meet the County’s SMWBE Participation Targets of 20% for Minority, and/or Woman-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and/or a minimum of 30% for Small Business Enterprises (SBE). Procurement and contracting dollars spent with a MWBE that also is a SBE will be counted in both categories in the following areas:

(A) Purchase of supplies, materials, products, services and equipment
(B) Maintenance and/or service of County assets and property
(C) Contracts for non-professional services
(D) Contracts for commodities, equipment or supplies/materials
(E) Contracts for repair/alteration of real property
(F) Contracts for construction of real property
(G) Contracts for the repair/construction of roads, bridges or other related structures/surfaces
(H) Purchase of Professional and Personal Services.

County employees (or designated staff) making purchases on behalf of the County will participate in an educational and training programs implemented by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department and Purchasing Department, which will be available to all county offices, facilities and funded entities. The training program will include the following information.

(A) How to effectively present the SMWBE Program’s importance to the economic well-being of the County and the SMWBE and Non-SMWBE Communities.
(B) Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department’s commitment to ensure that each individual involved understands their role in the program, and its relative importance. Recognizing that continuous training and education will be an absolute necessity. The training process will begin with the individuals that are responsible for ordering items and submitting requisitions through the automated system. The designated staff will be made aware of the policies, procedures, documentation requirements and goals of the SMWBE program.
(C) The designated staff will be provided access to the Contract and Diversity Management System (CDMS) which contains the automated SMWBE database. The data will consist of sources to contact to obtain price quotes, for budgeting purposes, and for listing on the requisitions to be submitted to purchasing, County Auditor or Commissioners Court.
(D) Meetings will be held with departments, offices, funded entities and facilities staff, managers and Directors to emphasize the importance of the program and to solicit their support in helping to make it work.
(E) Requirements for documenting and maintaining records of statistics, efforts, payments, awards and their progress in attaining the county established SMWBE participation levels.

15. Section 15: Exemptions to the SMWBE Policy Provisions

1. SMWBE provisions defined in this policy may not apply in the following circumstances:

(A) Whenever the Purchasing Agent determines the purchases are available only from a sole source; or
(B) Whenever the Purchasing Agent determines the purchases are made in response to an emergency as defined in the Purchasing Policy 8.1.
(C) Whenever the Commissioners Court grants an exemption under LGC 262.024 Discretionary Exemptions

2. Purchasing Agent and the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department may waive SMWBE policy only upon the written approval, except in condition (1.) above. Emergencies will be approved by the Purchasing Agent or designee only, and will be appropriately documented in applicable contract files. All request for waivers are presented to Commissioners Court for final approval.

16. Section 16: Debarment Procedures: The intentional misrepresentation of facts by a vendor may result in rejection of future bids or proposals.

17. Section 17: Request for Information: Bexar County maintains a process by which a vendor or any other interested party may request information regarding a solicitation or contract award. A vendor or any other interested party shall submit a request (depending on the type and scope of the request or as required by law) by contacting the County Purchasing Agent or the County Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department Director.

18. Section 18: Effective Date

April 10, 2001

April 23, 2002 (revised)

May 21, 2002 (revised)

July 15, 2003 (revised)

August 24, 2004 (revised)

September 12, 2017

19. Attachment A: SMWBE Program Goals

Bexar County is committed to increasing the involvement of SMWBE in its procurement process. Similarly, the County promotes SMWBE participation in its Tax Phase-in Program to support the growth and diversity of a regional economy.

The Commissioners Court established SMWBE Participation Targets of a minimum of 20% of all procurement dollars in the areas of Commodities, Equipment, Services, Maintenance, Professional Services and Construction are spent with minority and women-owned business enterprises, and a minimum of 30% of those procurement dollars are spent with small business enterprises.

At this time, however, the SMWBE Program is limited to outreach and data collection because the County cannot award any points or set-asides for SMWBE in the procurement of goods or services unless it is to correct a documented disparity. Using this data, a report will be developed by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department, the Purchasing Department and the Auditor’s office to show expenditures by commodity code, department or office transaction and vendor payments. At any time the Court may consider contracting for the preparation of a study that will detail the availability of Bexar County SMWBE. If an availability study is obtained, it can be compared to the County’s efforts and purchasing history with SMWBE to determine if a disparity exists. Race Conscious and/or Race Neutral Remedies to correct any evidence of discrimination will be recommended to Commissioners Court for implementation by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department.

20. Attachment B: SMWBE Program Report

Download Attachment B - SMWBE Program Report

SMWBE Program Report:

Each section shall reflect the following information:

Section 1: Number of purchases, percent of purchases, total dollars and percent of total dollars.

Section 2: Total number of purchases and total dollars of purchases allocated for SBE, MBE and WBE vendor categories.

Section 3: Awards from 0 – $5,000, $5,001 - $49,999 and over $50,000 for SBE, MBE, WBE, SMWBE, Certified, Identified, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Multi-Ethnic, Other, Pacific Asian, Sub-continent Asian, White, Veteran, Disabled, VBE and LGBTE vendor categories.

SMWBE Participation Report:

A. Total

B. Prime Report

C. Sub-Contractors, Sub-Suppliers, and Sub-Consultants Report

21. Attachment C: Bexar County Purchasing Department Vendor Registration Form

Download Attachment C - Bexar County Purchasing Department Vendor Registration Form

Thank you for your interest in doing business with Bexar County. The Bexar County Purchasing Department encourages and seeks the participation of vendors to provide quality goods and services at competitive pricing.

Bexar County’s Online Supplier Portal facilitates the exchange of information between a buying organization and its suppliers. Benefits of the application include:

Self-service supplier registration and account maintenance

Vendors may identify multiple commodity codes for their business

Improved communication via messages, including support of electronic attachments

Capability to upload required documents

Accessibility to all pertinent data, at one internet site

Vendors may register online or complete the following information. This form must be submitted with each bid, proposal or quote. http://gov.bexar.org/purchasing/

Download Attachment C - Bexar County Purchasing Department Vendor Registration Form

22. Attachment C1200: Bid Submittal Forms

Download Attachment C1200 - Bid Submittal Forms

Download SMWBE Contract Requirement (Word)

Form 1: List of All Subcontractors

Form 2: List of All Professional / Consulting Service Providers Sub-Firms

Form 3: List of All Suppliers

SMWBE Contract Requirement:

IFB, RFP, RFQ, SOQ, and all level contracts and pre bid agenda language for County SMWBE Requirement

Bexar County is committed to increasing the involvement of Small, Minority, and Women Owned Business Enterprises (SMWBE) in its procurement process. Similarly, the County promotes SMWBE participation in its Tax Phase-in Program to support the growth and diversity of a regional economy.

The Commissioners Court established a Participation Target of a minimum of 20% of all procurement dollars in the areas of Commodities, Equipment, Services, Maintenance, Professional Services and Construction are spent with minority and women-owned business enterprises, and/or a minimum of 30% of those procurement dollars are spent with small business enterprises. Expenditures with a Minority, Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) that is also a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) will be counted in both categories.

SMWBE participation is highly encouraged. The Participation Targets are not included in the evaluation of bids or proposals for awards.

SMWBE for the purpose of this policy are those companies with a certification designation from an authorized certification agency as a woman, small or a minority group certification, such as a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB), or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), or Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), or Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), or Small Business Enterprise (SBE), or African American Business Enterprise (AABE), or Asian American Business Enterprise (ABE), or Disabled Individual Business Enterprise (DIBE), or Emerging Small Business Enterprise (ESBE), or Hispanic American Business Enterprise (HABE), or Native American Business Enterprise (NABE), or Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) recognized and approved by Bexar County Commissioners Court. Bexar County accepts all verifiable certificates from any bonafide certification agency.

Certification means a designation as a HUB, DBE, SBE, MBE, VBE, WBE or LGBTBE awarded by any authorized agency that a company is a for-profit independent operating business that is at least 51% owned operated and controlled by minority person(s) and/or a woman. The ownership by minorities and women must be real and substantial.

Auditing and Compliance: All vendors receiving awards for Goods, Commodities, Services, Construction or Professional Services must provide ownership and amount information for all sub-contractors, sub-suppliers, and sub-consultants to be engaged before or during the term of award. (BID SUBMITTAL FORMS C1200)

During the term of the contract, the awarded contractor must submit accurate progress payment information, to include payments made to its Sub-Contractor(s), Sub-Supplier (s) or Sub-Consultant(s), with each invoice submitted to the County for payment.

In addition, the Contractor and its Sub-Contractor(s) Sub-Supplier(s) or Sub-Consultant(s) must utilize the contract management software Contract and Diversity Management System (CDMS) (procured by Bexar County and available at https://bexar.smwbe.com/) to report all payments made and received. Payments shall be audited at least monthly for participation and accuracy by County staff or a designated representative of the County. All such related source documents upon which payment is based shall be made a matter of record.

The Contract and Diversity Management System (CDMS) is a web-based paperless system that Prime vendors shall use to report sub-contracting, sub-supplier or sub-consultant payments made to SMWBE for any sub-contracting, sub-suppliers, sub-consultant performance.

The SMWBE Program staff will verify payments and seek to resolve any disputes. Staff provides training and education for all prime and sub-vendors.

For questions or more information, please contact:

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department

Bexar County

Paul Elizondo Tower

101 W Nueva, STE 112

San Antonio, Texas 78205

(210)-335-2478

www.bexar.org/smwbe

smwbe@bexar.org

@SMWBE

23. Attachment D: Guidelines for the Bexar County SMWBE Advisory Committee

The Small, Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (SMWBE) Program Advisory Committee shall function only in an advisory capacity and shall make recommendations to the Commissioners Court on various issues and policies concerning and impacting the SMWBE Program and its activity.

SECTION 1: Composition, Appointment and Terms

(a) The committee shall be composed of 15 members: 3 members being appointed by each member of Commissioners Court. Members shall be appointed as outlined in Bexar County Administrative Policy No. 2.1.
1. Qualifications: Bexar County resident or representative of a local business enterprise or advocacy organization.
2. Chairman: Elected by a majority of the appointed Advisory Committee members for one year.
3. Vice-Chairman: Elected by a majority of the appointed Advisory Committee members for one year.
(b) The Advisory Committee will be composed of four Subcommittees: Policy, Opportunities, Outreach and Vendor Certification.
1. Subcommittee Chairs will be elected by a majority of the appointed Advisory Committee members for one year. Members are required to serve and actively participate on at least one subcommittee.
(C) Tenure: Two years or until successor is appointed.
(D) Conflict of Interest: A conflict of interest arises when action on a matter will have a special economic effect on a member, or a business in which the member has an interest, which is distinguishable from its effect on other businesses.
- Each member shall verbally disclose any possible conflict of interest which may arise in connection with a matter being considered by the committee and shall refrain from discussing or voting on the matter.
- A member who discloses a possible conflict must also file with the committee chair a signed statement of the nature of the potential conflict.
- Each member shall file a sworn statement of financial disclosure with Commissioners Court indicating whether that member is or is not doing business with the County or any entity that does business on behalf of the County, and identifying any such business dealings in which the member is involved. The disclosure statement must be amended anytime there is a change in status.

SECTION 2: Meetings

(a) The Advisory Committee may meet once per month, or at any other time upon the call of the Chairman or at least five (5) members, with at least ten (10) working days’ notice to all Advisory Committee members. The Advisory Committee shall meet at least once per quarter. The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department shall give notice by the method of fax, e-mail, standard mail or telephone. A simple majority of the members will constitute a quorum of the membership. A simple majority vote of the quorum is required for passage of any action that will be communicated to Commissioners Court. A quorum is not required to receive reports.

The Chairman or at least five (5) members may call Emergency/Special meetings, with at least three (3) working days’ notice to all Advisory Committee members. The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department shall give notice by the method of fax, e-mail, standard mail or telephone. A simple majority of the members will constitute a quorum of the membership. A two-thirds (2/3)-majority vote of the quorum is required for passage of any action that will be communicated to Commissioners Court.

* Simple majority is defined as a fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) of the members appointed and confirmed by Commissioners Court at the time of the meeting.

(b) The Executive Committee shall meet at least one week prior to the Advisory meeting to set the meeting agenda in conjunction with the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department staff, or at any other time upon the call of the Chairman, with at least five (5) working days’ notice to all Advisory Committee members.

1. The Executive Committee will be composed of the Chair, Vice-Chair and Chair of each Subcommittee. Subcommittee recommendations are to be submitted to the Executive Committee, which will determine the action items and scheduling of the remaining subcommittee recommendations to be considered by the Advisory Committee monthly.

(c) All subcommittees may meet once per month, or at any other time upon the call of the subcommittee Chairman, with at least five (5) working days’ notice to all Advisory Committee members.
(d) The SMWBE Advisory Committee shall carry out its duties through a Subcommittee process. Each member shall be required to serve and actively participate on at least one of the following subcommittees:
1. Opportunities Subcommittee:
  - (A) Review the County’s policies and procedures utilized and implemented for biddable contracts in the construction and procurement area.
  - (B) Review general performance standards and specifications, as well as language in Request for Proposal (RFP) for professional services and discretionary contracts to determine if barriers to participation exist. The Advisory Committee shall not be responsible for reviewing individual contracts.
2. Vendor Certification Subcommittee:
  - (A) Review the County’s existing certification procedure to determine if the process creates barriers to vendor participation and make recommended changes for improvement.
  - (B) Review the County’s procedure to determine if it provides the County buyers with the required access for the potential of increasing the participation of SMWBE in the County’s program.
3. Outreach Subcommittee:
  - (A) Develop educational programs designed to help SMWBE compete for County contracts.
  - (B) Review the existing contracting procedures to determine if barriers exist which discourage SMWBE participation and to recommend potential plans of action to remove these barriers.
  - (C) Develop outreach programs and materials for County buyers and the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department aimed at communicating to SMWBE the opportunities available through the County’s program.
4. Policy Subcommittee:
  - (A) Recommend annual participation targets based on availability for SMWBE in procurement activities by all County funded departments, offices, agencies, facilities and special projects in the following areas: the supply of goods and nonprofessional services; the performance of professional services; and construction.
  - (B) Recommend policy guidance to the Commissioners Court, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department, Purchasing Agent, or any other County funded entity or facility.
  - (c) All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order. All meetings shall be open to the public.
    1. Time: To be determined by the Advisory Committee or Subcommittee Chair.
    2. Place: To be determined by the Advisory Committee or Subcommittee Chair.
    3. Quorum: A majority of the members appointed.

SECTION 3: Removal

(a) Persons appointed to this committee serve at the pleasure of the appointing Commissioners Court member. A Committee member shall be in accordance with Bexar County Administrative Policy 2.1 - Boards and Commissions Guidelines, ATTENDANCE.

The section for ATTENDANCE states the following:

Regular attendance of board and commission meetings by the appointee is expected by the Bexar County Commissioners Court.
The chairperson shall notify the coordinator of the Bexar County Boards and Commissions, in writing, of any member who is absent from three (3) consecutive meetings without an excused absence by formal action of the Board, or is absent from fifty percent (50%) of the meetings held during any twelve-month period. A meeting cancelled for a lack of a quorum is considered a meeting for purpose of recording attendance.

The SMWBE Advisory Committee shall define the term “excused” of the attendance section of the policy as “being granted with at least 24 hours prior notice of absence to be provided to the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department.”

SECTION 4: Functions

(a) The SMWBE Advisory Committee shall develop a reporting and monitoring system to determine SMWBE participation in all County funded departments, offices, agencies, facilities and special projects.

SECTION 5: Effective Date

April 10, 2001 approved

July 24, 2001 (revised)

October 9, 2001 (revised)

January 29, 2002 (revised)

March 25, 2003 (revised)

24. Attachment E: Bexar County SMWBE Program Advisory Committee Standard Operating Procedures

Purpose

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) is to outline the manner in which this committee will conduct business in General, Special or Emergency meetings and in all sub-committee meetings. It also defines the rules of the relationship between the Advisory Committee, sub-committees, and county departments.

Meetings

These rules will be used in all meetings conducted by the SMWBE Program Advisory Committee and shall supersede all other rules. Where there is no rule in this SOP nor in the SMWBE Program Advisory Committee Guidelines of Bexar County Administrative Policy 8.0, then will Robert’s Rule of Order prevail.

Emergency or Special Meetings

For Emergency or Special meetings, the ten (10) days’ notice is waived and replaced with a three (3) days’ notice. The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department shall give notice by fax, e-mail, standard mail or telephone. The meeting may be called by the Chair or at the request of at least five (5) members.

Quorum

In order to conduct business, a simple majority of the membership shall constitute a quorum for all meetings. A simple majority of the sub-committee members will constitute a quorum. A simple majority is defined as fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) of the members appointed and confirmed by Commissioners Court at the time of the meeting. A quorum is not required to receive sub-committee or staff reports that require no action to be communicated to Commissioners Court. Should a quorum not be established, voting on committee reports or actions items may be conducted via e-mail, fax or mail; provided the necessary background information is given on the particular issue for communication to Commissioners Court. Members shall submit their votes to the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department staff no later than 4 hours prior to the meeting for submission and recording of their absence.

Agenda

Public posting of the SMWBE Program Advisory Committee or sub-committee meeting agenda is not required. However, the agenda will be sent to all members and any other individual or organization requesting notice of the meeting. An annual calendar of SMWBE Program Advisory Committee meetings shall be posted and maintained on the Bexar County web-site and in the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department.

The Executive Committee shall set the General meeting agenda. Members may request that an item be placed on the agenda by calling the Chair, Vice Chair or any member of the Executive Committee or attending the Executive Committee meeting. The sub-committee agendas are set by the sub-committee Chairs.

Votes

Recommendations sent forward by sub-committees to the Executive Committee requiring action at the General Committee meeting will be by consensus. The Executive Committee shall forward the recommendations to the general membership for action. Any recommendations made by the Advisory Committee that require action by Commissioners Court, shall be sent forward by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department for consideration on the next Commissioners Court Agenda.

Role of the Officers:

Chair/Vice Chair/Sub-committee Chairs

The officers shall serve as the spokespersons for positions of the SMWBE Program Advisory Committee. The officers shall only present the committee’s position to Commissioners Court, the general public or media when making a recommendation on behalf of the Committee. Officers or members may not represent personal views or positions in any way that misrepresents the Committee or County’s position.

The Committee may consider the violation of this requirement and act to remove the officer and/or member from office and/or recommend to the Court removal of the member from the Committee by a two-thirds (2/3) vote at a general, special or emergency meeting. Any action will be reported at the next meeting of Commissioners Court.

Compliance

All members shall abide by these Standard Operating Procedures once adopted by the SMWBE Program Advisory Committee.

Amendments

These Standard Operating Procedures shall be reviewed at the first meeting of every new term. They shall be adopted, amended or repealed by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the quorum.

January 14, 2002 (adopted)

February 26, 2003 (revised)

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SBED - CDMS

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1. What is CDMS?: Contract and Diversity Management System (CDMS) provides for governments of all sizes to streamline and improve the effectiveness of their supplier diversity programs. This software replaces inefficient paper-based processes that are labor intensive and error prone. CDMS products enable reliable, efficient, user-friendly processes which result in data which is more timely, complete, and accurate. A better quality of data will allow staff to focus on what matters.

2. How is it beneficial to my department or office?: The CDMS system is designed to make all of Bexar County more efficient. The majority of your contracts probably go through the purchasing department; however they are still your contracts. This system would allow you to log on and view any of your contract information without having to go though the tediousness of having other departments find the paperwork and call you back. You will be able to track expiration dates, insurance requirements, subcontractor information and payment information. The system also allows for important documents to be attached as files to each contract. This would allow you to keep pricing and product lists accessible and always attached to its respective contract.

3. Is it only for SMWBE tracking?: No, the CDMS system does contract compliance, generates reports, letters and maintains all of your contract information even without SMWBE goal tracking. It is multi-functional.

4. Will the information I enter be kept confidential? Who will have access?: Each department or office will be able to maintain confidentiality with the information they enter. Only people you authorize and the system administrator will able to access any of your information.

5. Is this maintained by the purchasing department?: No, the system is maintained by the vendor through the county web-site and administered by the SMWBE Program Office.

6. Is it mandatory to use this system?: No, the system is not currently a mandatory requirement for use by all departments. As the SMWBE policies and goals of Bexar County are changed; however the need for the system will become more evident and usage will increase. It is beneficial for your department to become familiar with the system so you can focus on entering your information instead of training on the system.

7. What if all my contracts go through purchasing?: The purchasing department handles approximately 90% of all county contracts. The other 10% are made up of professional contracts, tax abatements and other services that would not be handled by the purchasing department. It is likely that your department does have some contracts that were not issued nor administered by the purchasing department. Those that are and are already entered in the system can be accessed by searching for your department.

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SBED - CDMS Vendor

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1. What is my username?: Your username most likely will be your e-mail address. In some cases it may also be your business name or any combination of data. CDMS

2. What is my password?: Your password will be initially assigned to you. Once you login for the first time, you must change it to something only you know. Login

3. How do I change my password?: Go to the Edit menu and click on Change Password. In the Old Password field, type your old password. In the New Password and Type New Password fields, type your new password, and then click on Submit.

4. What do I do if I forget my password?: On the CDMS home page, in the System Access Login box, click on the Forgot Password link. Enter your username in the field and click Submit. An e-mail and or fax with your username and password will be sent to you. Systems Access Login

5. How do I view a list of my contracts?: Go to the Left Navigational Module menu, click on View, and then click on My Contracts. All of the contracts assigned to you will be displayed.

6. How do I find a specific contract?: Go to the Search menu and click on Contracts. Enter the contract number and or fill in the other parameters and click Search.

7. How do I view an audit?: From the contract search results, scroll down to see your audit history. Find the audit dates you want to view and click View Audit in the action column.

8. How do I submit a response to an audit?: On the Audit View Page, click on View Audit/Submit Response at the top of the page. Fill in your payment information and click Review. Verify all of the data and answer the questions, then click Submit. If you are responding to a final payment, don't forget to mark the payment as final.

9. How do I get help from customer support?: On the Tools menu, click on Messaging, and then click on Contact System Support.

10. How do I edit my own account settings?: On the Edit Settings menu, click on Your Setting, then fill in the sections you want to edit.

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SBED - Conference & Veterans Resource Questions

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1. What is the SMWVBO Conference?: It’s a forum for Small, Minority, Women and Veterans Business Owners (SMWVBO) to develop relationships, acquire knowledge and access opportunities that exist with public and private sector entities for the procurement of construction, professional services, goods and other services. It is also an opportunity to further enhance the knowledge of procurement staff of the availability and ability of firms with the desire to do business. SMWBE Conference

2. How long has it been held? Why in December?: This is the 17th year. December is the year end for SMWVBO and a time for planning the work flow and need for contracts for the following year. It is also the year end for corporations that have developed their budgets for the following year and are ready to start the business process. And, it is the first quarter for public entities that have budgets and are spending them.

3. Who should attend this conference?

The Conference is designed in an attempt to meet the needs of those in several areas:

Federal, state and local public entities and private sector organizations
A person who owns a business that is available and has the capacity to do business with the public and private sector
A person who owns a business that is available, but needs help with building the capacity to do business with the public and private sector
A person who owns a business that is performing work in the private sector, but has not sought public sector opportunities (and vice versus)
A person who owns a business and needs help by getting technical or financial assistance
A person who has the desire to start a business and would like to be prepared, know what opportunities and assistance exist
A person who may be working a job today, but would like to start a business one day in the future
A person who would like to network with other business owners, and public and private sector staff and leaders to enhance their development and overall quality of life

4. What is the Veterans Business & Resource Center?: The Bexar County SMWVBO Conference provides great information. We encourage you to invite everyone in the Veteran community to attend.

One of the great benefits of being a Veteran is the connection with one another. Do you know what’s available to you as a Small, Minority, Woman or Veteran business owner? Are you taking advantage of everything that is offered to you? Do you want to learn how to create or keep a successful business? We want to help you!!!

The Veterans Business & Resource Center is designed to help new and existing veteran-owned businesses to position their firms to gain access to the Federal and other marketplaces. Procurement decision makers are available to discuss capabilities to address agency or corporations business requirements. The agencies and organizations provide an overview on the Service Disabled Veteran Procurement Program; U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army initiatives for increasing contracting opportunities for Veteran-owned firms.

We invite Veterans to visit with the organizations in the Veterans Business & Resource Center. This area is also designed to educate Veterans on what is available exclusively for Veterans and their families. We have information about the SBA Loans, Marketing and Presentation Skills, Teaming for Success in Federal Contracting and the Service Disabled Veteran– Owned Small Business Program.

The SMWVBO Conference provides access for Veterans and their families, to community organizations that can assist them in the areas of housing, mental health, finance, benefits, employment and more.

Veterans will have the opportunity to find resources, support, and partnerships dedicated to mental health policy, education initiatives and advocacy priorities that impact active duty military personnel, Veterans and the family members of these individuals.

5. Why does the County hold this conference?: The SMWVBO Conference is an opportunity for the county's Purchasing, Public Works, Facilities, Information Technology, and Parks Departments to make direct contact with local vendors. SMWBEs can get their questions answered and meet the buyers who make decisions daily to solicit and recommend awards that will directly impact their business.

It also provides a place for other Bexar County Offices to provide information regarding their opportunities, services or programs for SMWBEs. They include the County Clerk, Tax Office, District Attorney - Hot Checks Section, and Dispute Resolution Office.

The all-day conference is held at the Freeman Expo Hall, 3201 E Houston, San Antonio, TX and features workshops, vendor education, and access to the Microsoft Technology Center. Public attendance is free.

Over the past fifteen years public and private sector organizations have provided tremendous opportunities for vendors and buyers to connect. Last year’s conference was a huge success with over 3,000 attendees and 148 exhibitors.

The Conference is open to the general public. All vendors are strongly encouraged to spend their time wisely and bring plenty of business cards.

6. How much does it cost to attend the SMWVBO Conference?: Parking and attendance for the SMWVBO Conference is free

7. Do I have to be in business to attend and what should I bring?: No, you don’t have to be in business to attend, but if you are make sure to bring plenty of business cards, brochures and wear comfortable shoes.

8. Is this only for Construction businesses?: No. Services, Commodities, Professional Services, Computer tech firms are welcomed. If you sell a product or service, you should attend.

9. How can I prepare for the conference?

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE EVENT

Set clear and specific goals for the conference. What do you want to get out of it? How many contacts do you want to make? Determine why you are attending
Research the exhibitors that are attending
Bring plenty of business cards
Dress appropriately-wear branded gear and comfortable shoes
Use your time wisely-preview the exhibitor list and floor plan to know where you want to go
Create a lead/follow up form to record the exhibitors contact information

HOW TO WORK THE EVENT
1. Be prepared to talk about what you bring to the table to consider your company
2. Attend workshops to learn and network
3. Pass out your business cards
4. Collect the exhibitors business cards
5. Avoid crowded booths until a more convenient time as you want as much of their attention as possible
6. Find out any minimum qualifications, certifications that maybe needed to do business with them
7. Discover who are your competitors while visiting the exhibitors
FOLLOW UP
1. Send an email with highlights of your conversation within 1 week after the event
2. Ask for a meeting or conference call
3. Have a clear plan of action for your contacts-pass the information onto the sales team; send more info as requested, etc.
4. Make notes of the day’s actions as a reminder of the conversations that were generated
5. Persevere in getting the appointment or detailed information to conduct business
6. Register as a vendor and check their website for bid postings

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SBED - County Clerk's Office

Show All Answers

1. What is an Assumed Business Name (DBA, Doing Business As)? Why do I need to file?: Any person or corporation whom regularly conducts business in the state of Texas using a business name other than the person's legal name or the registered corporate name shall file an Assumed Business Name.

2. Where do I file an Assumed Business Name?: The first floor of the Paul Elizondo Tower (101 West Nueva Street), San Antonio Texas

3. What is the filing fee? How many years will it be valid?: The fee is $14.00 for one owner and $0.50 for each additional owner. The assumed name certificate is valid for ten years.
Assumed Names

4. What information is required to file an Assumed Business Name?

Before venturing to the courthouse, the following information is needed to file the assumed business name certificate:

The name of the business and business address
Valid identification
The filing fee

5. What is the process of filing an Assumed Business Name?: The County Clerk’s Office provides the assumed business name certificate on location or via the website at http://bexartx.eforms.kofile.com/48029/AssumedNames/MultiViewCreate/. The certificate must be filled out in its entirety, signed by the owner(s), and notarized. After the certificate is completed you may come to County Clerk’s office at the courthouse or mail in the original certificate with the filing fee to: Bexar County Clerk
100 Dolorosa, Suite 104
San Antonio, TX 78205 The County Clerk’s Office keeps the original assumed name certificate. If a copy is needed, the fee is $2.00 for a plain copy and $7.00 for a certified copy.
Assumed Name Form

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SBED - District Attorney's Office

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1. Is it a theft or a bad check?: Under Penal Code Section 31.03 Theft, a person commits an offense if he unlawfully appropriates property or secures performance of a service from the owner by deception. The key under the law is that the owner must give the merchandise at the time the check writer renders the check. Furthermore, inducing a provider of services to provide services by giving the provider a check which the issuer knows will be dishonored by the bank qualifies as deception. Again, the key under the law is that the owner must provide the service at the time the check writer renders the check. Penal Code Section 31.03 Theft

2. How can I minimize my business losses to bad checks?

Never accept a check without checking and writing down the id of the person signing the check.

Always be sure to compare the picture on the ID of the check writer to the person standing in front of you offering the check as payment.

Never allow the check writer to tell you the ID number, always look at it yourself and record it carefully.

Always obtain and verify a physical address for the check writer.

*If you file a complaint on the case with the District Attorney's Bad Check Division, you will be required to swear that the person who stood before you was the same person whose ID number you recorded.

3. How do I contact the District Attorney's Office?: Please visit the District Attorney's website for contact information.

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SMWBE Conference Questions

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1. What is the SMWVBO Conference?: It’s a forum for Small, Minority, Women and Veterans Business Owners (SMWVBO) to develop relationships, acquire knowledge and access opportunities that exist with public and private sector entities for the procurement of construction, professional services, goods and other services. It is also an opportunity to further enhance the knowledge of procurement staff of the availability and ability of firms with the desire to do business.
SMWBE Conference

2. How long has it been held? Why in December?: The first conference was in 2001. December is the year-end for SMWBO and a time for planning the work flow and need for contracts for the following year; it is the year-end for corporations that have developed their budgets for the following year and are ready to start the business process; it is also the first quarter for public entities that have budgets and are spending them.
SMWBE Conference

3. How did it get started?: On April 10, 2001, Bexar County Commissioners Court approved Administrative Policy 8.0 - Small, Minority, and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program, which established the county's program. A very significant component of the policy is to maximize area resources without duplicating services. With that in mind, the SMWBE Program Manager worked with the SMWBE Advisory Committee to develop the program and created the conference. Since the county did not have a facility to hold such an event, the SMWBE Program Manager submitted a recommendation to Judge Wolff to request his leadership on this proposed event. He led the effort to acquire the partnership with the City of San Antonio in order for the county to use the convention center and combine resources for this event, since neither the county nor city had held such an event in the past. The SMWBE Program Manager met with several of her public entity counterparts to solicit their support and commitment to be an exhibitor. Several county departments were asked to provide support since the SMWBE Program Office was a staff of one. During the second year, the private sector certification agency was invited to join the county and city efforts. The Central and South Texas Minority Business Council (CSTMBC) expanded their administrative operations to San Antonio after the announcement of Toyota. The CSTMBC Board has members that represent Washington Mutual, Toyota, H-E-B, and Boeing. The partnership helps to assist the county staff with implementation of the Tax Phase in Guidelines, which outlines commitments from those entities to do business with local and SMWBEs. In 2006, an aggressive effort was added to outreach to the Veterans business owners.
SMWBE Conference

4. Why does the County hold this conference?: The SMWVBO Conference is an opportunity for the County Purchasing Department to make direct contact with local vendors. SMWBEs can get their questions answered and meet the buyers who make decisions daily to solicit or recommend awards that will directly impact their business. It also provides a place for other County departments and offices to provide information regarding their services or programs for SMWBEs. They include the County Clerk, Tax Office, District Attorney - Hot Checks Section, and Dispute Resolution Center.
SMWBE Conference

5. What makes this conference different from other similar events held by local chambers?: The SMWVBO Conference strongly encourages SMWBO to spend their time wisely as attendees and not be an exhibitor. Local chamber trade shows are usually designed to enhance member business opportunities through exhibiting. However, the conference is open to anyone that would like to be an exhibitor. The county SMWBE Program Manager has received comments from several SMWVBO that did exhibit in the past years that they now make a concerted effort to attend and visit with the numerous procurement officials. The conference does have several large minority owned businesses that exhibit each year because they have subcontracting opportunities for other SMWVBO. Because of the tremendous contributions of the county, city, and sponsors, the event is free to attend and includes meals. The cost to the exhibitor is very reasonable and it allows local entities participation which also includes meals for all staff.
SMWBE Conference

6. Why should a local SMWVBO attend?: The conference is designed in an attempt to meet the needs of those in several areas: A person who owns a business that is available and has the capacity to do business with the public and private sector. A person who owns a business that is available, but needs help building the capacity to do business with the public and private sector. A person who owns a business that is performing work in the private sector, but has not sought public sector opportunities (and vice versa). A person who owns a business and needs help by getting technical or financial assistance. A person who has the desire to start a business and would like to be prepared, know what opportunities and assistance exist. A person why may be working a day job, but would like to start a business one day in the future. A person who would like to network with other business owners, public and private sector staff, and leaders, to enhance their development and overall quality of life.
SMWBE Conference

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SMWBE's Top 10

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1. How do I register my business name or get an Assumed Name: Doing Business As (DBA)?: Visit the Bexar County Clerk’s office at the Bexar County Paul Elizondo Tower, next to the Courthouse to register the business name, 1st floor 101 W. Nueva (Notary public onsite) Call them at (210) 335-2223 or visit them on the web. Copies of misplaced certificates can be obtained.

2. Where do I get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)? Why do I need it for my business?

Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by visiting Internal Revenue Service's webpage or: IRS San Antonio 8122 Datapoint Dr Suite 210, San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 841-2090

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, Businesses need an EIN. You may apply for an EIN in various ways, and now you may apply online. This is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service and you can get your EIN immediately.

IRS San Antonio EIN Information

3. Where do I get a State of Texas sales tax permit?

Complete the application if you are engaged in business in Texas and:

Sell or lease tangible personal property in Texas; or
Sell taxable services in Texas.

Texas State Comptroller offices are located in San Antonio or contacted at Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Field Office - San Antonio Taxpayer Services and Collections 10010 San Pedro Ave Suite 410, San Antonio, Texas 78216-3862 (210) 342-2300

IRS San Antonio Contact Information

4. Where can I get information on permits needed for my business?

The City of San Antonio Development Services Department at 1901 S. Alamo St. is a one stop shop for required permits, licenses, zoning, and certificates to operate a business in San Antonio. Businesses located in unincorporated areas of Bexar County need to contact Bexar County Public Works at (210) 335-6700 or visit 233 N. Pecos, Suite 420, San Antonio, Texas 78207. Businesses located in surrounding Bexar County cities listed below need to contact the city offices for the following entities to obtain required permits:

Alamo Heights
Balcones Heights
Castle Hills
China Grove
Cibolo
Converse
Elmendorf
Fair Oaks Ranch
Grey Forest
Helotes
Hill Country Village
Hollywood Park
Kirby
Leon Valley
Live Oak
Lytle
Olmos Park
Sandy Oaks
Schertz
Selma
Shavano Park
Somerset
St. Hedwig
Terrell Hills
Universal City
Von Ormy
Windcrest

CDPs: Cross Mountain, Lackland AFB, Macdona, Randolph AFB, Scenic Oaks, Timberwood park

Unincorporated Communities: Adkins, Atascosa, Leon Springs, Losoya, Martinez, Sayers, and Wetmore

(Note: for further details on home based businesses please make sure to contact your local entity).

Bexar County Public Works

5. Where can I get training or counseling on starting a business and or writing a business plan?

UTSA Small Business Development Center offers training and counseling on international trade and government contracting as well as a variety of other subjects. They can be contacted at https://sasbdc.org/ or 210.458.2460.

SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business Volunteers provide professional guidance and information to maximize the success of America's existing and emerging small businesses. Additional contact information can be found at San Antonio SCORE or 210.403.5931.

UTSA Institute of Economic Development

6. Are there any grants to start a business?

No - but the SBA offers Small Business Loans through various financial institutions in and around Bexar County.

For local micro-lending institutions or start up loans please contact:

LiftFund at LiftFund or 888.215.2373
Small Business Administration at the Small Business Administration Website or 210.403.5931
Information about community grants is available from the San Antonio Area Foundation at http://www.saafdn.org/ or 210.225.2243

7. How do I certify my business as HUB, SBE, MBE, AABE, HABE, ASBE, NABE, DIBE, DBE, VBE or LGBTE?

Note: Certification is not required to respond to any County Solicitation.

Local Bexar County Area

South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCRTRCA) or 210-227-4722

Federal:

State

Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) - Central Master Bidder's List

Private Sector Certifications

8. How do I become a Bexar County Vendor?: Visit the Bexar County Purchasing Website and go to the Supplier Portal Registration and follow the steps listed. You can contact the Purchasing Department at 210.335.2211.

9. How do I register to do business with other agencies, school districts or the State or Federal Government?

The Opportunity Link is an initiative of the Bexar County SBE Department to address business development and small, minority and women-owned business participation in public procurement opportunities.

https://www.bexar.org/133/Opportunities

10. How do I find out about pre-bid meetings, events, trainings and networking events?

Go on-line to the SBED Homepage, www.bexar.org/smwbe, and click on the Calendar Button. Subscribe to calendar notifications by clicking on the Notify Me button, and you will automatically be alerted about the latest events in our community.

For more information please contact the SMWBE office at (210) 335-2478 or www.bexar.org/smwbe

Categories

▼ County Clerk: Birth & Death Certificates

▼ County Clerk: Assumed Business Name/DBA

▼ County Clerk: Bond Refunds

▼ County Clerk: DD 214 Military Discharge

▼ County Clerk: eFiling

▼ County Clerk: Foreclosure

▼ County Clerk: Marriage License

▼ County Clerk: Probate, Civil, and Criminal Cases

▼ County Clerk: Real Property/Land Records

▼ County Clerk: Withdrawing Court Registry Funds

▼ County eInvoice

▼ County FAQs

▼ County Manager: Budget Process Suggested Improvements

▼ County Manager: Commissioners Court Suggested Improvements

▼ Economic & Community Development - DCS/Energy FAQ

▼ Elections - VbM - ABBM

▼ Elections - VbM - Ballot

▼ Elections - VbM - Party

▼ Fire Marshal - Dispatch 1 - Common

▼ Fire Marshal - Dispatch 3 - Changer

▼ Fire Marshal - Fire Inspection FAQs

▼ Fire Marshal - New Construction FAQs

▼ Parks & Rec: Youth Coach Volunteers

▼ Pretrial Services - Hiring

▼ Public Defender - FAQs

▼ SBED - Admin Policy 8.0

Elected Officials are encouraged to participate in the administration of vendor data.

To facilitate the measurement and management of the SMWBE program, data shall be collected and validated as follows:

▼ SBED - CDMS

▼ SBED - CDMS Vendor

▼ SBED - Conference & Veterans Resource Questions

▼ SBED - County Clerk's Office

▼ SBED - District Attorney's Office

▼ SMWBE Conference Questions

▼ SMWBE's Top 10

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Contact Us

Bexar County Contact

▼
County Clerk: Birth & Death Certificates

▼
County Clerk: Assumed Business Name/DBA

▼
County Clerk: Bond Refunds

▼
County Clerk: DD 214 Military Discharge

▼
County Clerk: eFiling

▼
County Clerk: Foreclosure

▼
County Clerk: Marriage License

▼
County Clerk: Probate, Civil, and Criminal Cases

▼
County Clerk: Real Property/Land Records

▼
County Clerk: Withdrawing Court Registry Funds

▼
County eInvoice

▼
County FAQs

▼
County Manager: Budget Process Suggested Improvements

▼
County Manager: Commissioners Court Suggested Improvements

▼
Economic & Community Development - DCS/Energy FAQ

▼
Elections - VbM - ABBM

▼
Elections - VbM - Ballot

▼
Elections - VbM - Party

▼
Fire Marshal - Dispatch 1 - Common

▼
Fire Marshal - Dispatch 3 - Changer

▼
Fire Marshal - Fire Inspection FAQs

▼
Fire Marshal - New Construction FAQs

▼
Parks & Rec: Youth Coach Volunteers

▼
Pretrial Services - Hiring

▼
Public Defender - FAQs

▼
SBED - Admin Policy 8.0

▼
SBED - CDMS

▼
SBED - CDMS Vendor

▼
SBED - Conference & Veterans Resource Questions

▼
SBED - County Clerk's Office

▼
SBED - District Attorney's Office

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SMWBE Conference Questions

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SMWBE's Top 10