Native eligibility
TERO verifies that the qualifying owner meets the Tribe's adopted Native or tribal eligibility requirements.
Interactive demonstrationAll organizations and records shown are fictional
Hokoli Confederated TribesTribal Employment Rights Office Business certification and Indian preference
What TERO certification means
TERO certification is a Tribe’s formal review of whether a business qualifies as a Native-owned or tribally eligible business under that Tribe’s own law and program rules.
Certification is Tribe-specific.Ownership thresholds, eligible affiliations, required documents, certificate terms, jurisdiction, and preference rules differ among Tribal Nations.
What the review establishes
A verified business relationship, not just a self-identified label
Certification is intended to confirm that the Native owner is real, the ownership is meaningful, and the owner exercises actual control and receives the primary benefit of the business.
Ownership and control
TERO reviews whether the qualifying owner genuinely owns, manages, controls, and benefits from the business.
Preference eligibility
An approved business may be listed in the Tribe's directory and considered for preference where the TERO law applies.
Important distinction
What certification does not mean
It does not guarantee a contract. Buyers still evaluate price, qualifications, capacity, licensing, and the solicitation requirements.
It is not a performance endorsement. Directory publication confirms certification status, not the quality or outcome of future work.
It does not replace other requirements. A business may still need licenses, insurance, bonding, permits, registrations, and project-specific TERO compliance.
It is not automatically portable. Another Tribe or agency may require its own certification or a formal reciprocity process.
Typical certification process
From application to an active directory listing
The exact decision authority and evidence requirements come from the Tribe’s adopted TERO code and policies.
- 1
Apply
The business submits ownership, organizational, licensing, tax, and capability information required by the Tribe.
- 2
Verify
TERO reviews identity, ownership percentage, control, management, and supporting records. Staff may request clarification or an interview.
- 3
Decide
The authorized TERO office or commission approves, denies, or returns the application under the Tribe's own process.
- 4
Maintain
Approved businesses keep their profile current, report material changes, and renew according to the certificate term and tribal rules.
Two connected responsibilities
Business certification and project compliance are related, but separate
Business certification
Determines whether a business qualifies for the certified directory and contracting preference under the Tribe’s rules.
Employer and project compliance
Governs covered work, including hiring preference, workforce referrals, compliance plans, reporting, fees, and other project obligations.
Reading the directory
Certification status matters
The certificate is active as of the displayed expiration date.
The business remains published, but its renewal deadline is approaching.
The certification term has ended. Confirm eligibility with TERO before relying on preference.
TERO has placed the certification on hold. Contact the office before proceeding.