The State of Maryland's Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification is an important economic development and business support program for the minority business community.   Due to the State’s progressive MBE laws, policies and strong Administrative support, Maryland has become a leader in promoting MBE contracting opportunities.

Accomplishments

• Maryland is one of 16 states in the nation that have an MBE Program with a goal of 25 percent; 
• One out of four states to have a legally mandated MBE Program;
• The first state to establish a sub-goal for African American-owned businesses; and 
• The only state that collects uniform reporting data including payments to MBEs.

Who is considered a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)?

A MBE is a business that is at least 51% 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. Additionally, the State also recognizes non-profit firms that are organized to promote the interests of the physically or mentally disabled. 

Vendors wishing to become certified minority businesses are encouraged to contact the Department of Transportation, Minority Business Enterprise Department at 410-865-1241 or www.marylandtransportation.com

MBE Office Mission

The Minority Business Enterprises Office is dedicated to providing efficient and courteous services by delegating MBE goals to all possible MVA procured projects and monitoring compliance to ensure that these goals are accomplished.

MBE Law

State Finance and Procurement Article 14-302(a)(1) and BPW Advisory 2001-1 require each agency to structure its procurement procedures to try to achieve the following results:

• A minimum of 7% of the unit’s total dollar value of procurement contracts is to be made directly or indirectly from certified MBEs classified by MDOT as African American;
• A minimum of 10% of the unit’s total dollar value of procurement contracts is to be made directly or indirectly from certified MBEs classified by MDOT as women owned businesses;
• An overall minimum of 25% of the unit’s total dollar value of procurement contracts is to be made directly or indirectly from all certified MBEs.

MBE Office Staff

Marlo Johnson, MBE Compliance Manager               
(410) 768-7068
Mjohnson10@mdot.state.md.us

Tiona Kuniken, MBE Administrative Assistant           
(410) 768-7184
tkuniken@mdot.state.md.us

MBE Contact Information

Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Office of Minority Business Enterprise
7201 Corporate Center Drive
P.O. Box. 548
Hanover, Maryland 21076
(410) 865-1269 or 1-800-544-6056
www.marylandtransportation.com

Governor’ s Office of Minority Affairs (GOMA)
6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1502
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
(410) 767-8232 or 1-877-558-0998
www.mdminoritybusiness.com

Small Business Reserve Program
Department of General Services
301 W. Preston Street, Room M-3
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
(410) 767-4270
www.smallbusinessreserve.maryland.gov/contact/index.cfm

MBE Forms

MBE Information and Forms        

MBE Participation Schedule

MBE SubContractor Project Participation Statement

MBE Prime and SubContractor Invoice Reports

MBE Utilization Monthly Report