In 1978, Maryland's General Assembly enacted legislation to create a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program to encourage minority-owned firms to participate in the state procurement process. Current MBE law requires agencies to allocate 29% of the total dollar value of their procurement contracts directly or indirectly to certified MBE firms.
The State of Maryland MBE Program is governed by the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs (GOSBA). GOSBA provides a variety of services, webinars, videos, guidance, events, and support to MBE firms.
Each state agency reviews and assesses its procurements for supplies, services, maintenance, construction and architectural/engineering contracts to determine an MBE participation goal appropriate for each contract. UMD Procurement reports contract awards and payments made to MBE firms to the State on a quarterly and annual basis and tracks our progress toward the 29% goal (including subcontractor awards and payments). State agencies are only able to report data for MBE firms who are certified by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). Other certifying entities are not considered for reporting of MBE awards and payment activity.
See how to report subcontractor payments. Click the button for MBE Subcontractor Monthly Payment Report:
The Maryland MBE/DBE Certification Program is managed by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). UMD and all State Agencies require minority businesses to be Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Certified.
To be eligible for MBE certification, a business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Under current state law, an individual is presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged if that individual belongs to one of the following groups: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Women. Persons who own and control their business, but are not members of the above groups, may be eligible for MBE certification if they can establish their social and economic disadvantage. Disabled individuals may also apply for MBE certification. A determination of whether an individual meets MBE eligibility criteria is made on a case-by-case basis.
UMD CONTACT FOR SUPPLIER DIVERSITY and COMING OPPORTUNITIES
Anthony Harmon
Manager of Business Inclusion & Supplier Diversity
301-405-6055
aharmon4@umd.edu
bizdiversity@umd.edu