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.
In furtherance of the State's MBE initiative, 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.
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.
Maryland MBE/DBE (Certification Program) through Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)
410.865.1269 or 800.544.6056