A. In order to facilitate contracting capabilities of women-owned businesses with public and private entities, and to establish criteria to certify such businesses, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce may establish a certification program for women-owned businesses which are in compliance with the definition of a small-business concern as set forth in 15 U.S.C., Section 632 and in regulations promulgated pursuant to said section by the Small Business Administration. For purposes of this section, a women-owned business is one that is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned and operated on a day-to-day basis by one or more females.

B. The Department shall issue certificates to women-owned businesses which are small-business concerns as evidence of ownership for the purpose of contracting with corporate or governmental entities. Certification shall be based upon information which is required by the Department from the business seeking certification and which will be subject to verification and approval by the Department. The Department shall require an affidavit of ownership, organization and decision-making authority, financial information and such other information deemed necessary by the Department to evaluate a business for certification. The Department shall have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this section. The certification program shall not replace any certification procedures or programs of other governmental agencies.

C. Certificates issued by the Department pursuant to this section shall not be financial guarantees or personal approvals of businesses but shall be for the purpose of verifying that businesses are women-owned in order to enhance the ability of such businesses to contract with public and private entities and to access state and federal information and assistance.