If an existing member submits a request (via an application) to switch their current contracted category to a different category OR add a second category (upgrade their membership) AND the category is NOT active (ie, no application is currently active with the board).

• The category will NOT be opened up (open to receive additional applications), therefore the existing member does NOT have to compete for the category.
• The application will be vetted based on the category not the person.They are already a member, and the person /company has already been vetted in terms of DNA make up of a BCA member.The Board is vetting their deliverables, ensuring they do in fact provide the products/services to represent the new category. It should now makeup a majority of their revenue.
• A notification will be sent to alert the membership of the category request/application. No additional applications will be accepted, this is simply notification that an application has been submitted.
• If it is determined that the existing member can and does in fact deliver the products/services, and it is enough of a core competency to occupy the new category, and the Board votes:
  • To approve the category switch. If approved, the previously contracted category held by the member will immediately be vacated and will accept applications.
  • To approve the addition of the category. If approved, the member will then officially occupy two categories.

Example of why this may happen: Companies services have changed so much that they no longer deliver the products/ services related to their current category, or they’ve become such a small percentage, and new deliverables have become the majority of the core competency.

If an existing member submits a request (via an application) to switch their current contracted category to a different category OR add a second category (upgrade their membership), AFTER another application for that category has already been submitted (ie, category has already become Active).

• The category will be “opened up” (open to receive additional applications per our standard application procedures), therefore the existing member WILL have to compete for the category.
• The application and applicants will be vetted per our standard application procedures and qualifying requirements.
• If the member is selected over the other applicant(s) by the Board:
  • The previously contracted category held by the member will immediately be vacated and will accept applications, if the member is switching categories
  • The member will then officially occupy two categories, if the member is adding a category (upgrading)

Example of why this may happen: Current member knows their deliverables include products/services NOT under their contracted category, but choose to NOT switch, because they feel they could promote it unofficially and reap benefits for both categories