A Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) is a business that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more minority persons. A minority is generally defined as an individual who is African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American, a Woman or a Disabled Person.
The Maryland Department of Transportation must certify MBE firms before we can count their participation toward our goals. MDOT also maintains a database of certified MBE contractors.
The Maryland Department of Transportation is the State Agency that has responsibility for certifying minority businesses in Maryland. You can access the database of certified MBE contractors on the MDOT web page.
There is an index to NAICS codes available on the NAICS web page.
The University System of Maryland Minority Business Enterprise program is committed to maximizing contract opportunities for minority businesses and to the 29 percent participation rate goal. The System's procurement policies and procedures commit to competition and equal access to USM business opportunities.
The University System of Maryland Board of Regents supports the State of Maryland’s efforts to increase opportunities for minority and women owned businesses to conduct business with the State in general and the USM in particular. The USM recognizes the responsibility and accepts the challenges associated with the implementation of this important goal. The Board of Regents stated "…the University System of Maryland remains firmly committed to encouraging participation in its procurements by certified minority business enterprises".
There are four key elements to the UBalt strategy of for achieving the 29% goal and the 10% (or more) procurement activity (as measured by payments made) with certified small businesses:
The State of Maryland Small Business Reserve Program is committed to the growth and success of small businesses. Through the Small Business Reserve program, small businesses will be able to bid for State contracts without competing with larger, more established companies, when responding to a designated procurement.
Registration is easy and businesses must be self-certified annually. The Maryland Department of General Services provides more information about the Small Business Reserve Program including a database of certified small businesses.
For more information visit the links below: