The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Programs support, promote and ensure inclusion along with equitable and fair treatment for all minority and disadvantaged businesses.
DBE and MBE Programs
The
State of Maryland’s MBE goal is 29% and the DBE goal of the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) is 26.52%. Because SHA receives state and federal funds, SHA strives to achieve both the MBE and DBE goals. Contracts that are advertised as state-funded contracts are thoroughly reviewed to determine the feasibility of setting MBE goals and MBE sub-goals. Contracts that are advertised as federally funded are thoroughly reviewed to determine the feasibility of setting DBE goals. Federally funded contracts are not eligible for sub-goals. DBE and MBE goals are narrowly tailored and set on a contract-by-contract basis. Bid and proposal documents are thoroughly reviewed to ensure prime contractors are achieving the DBE or MBE goals set on contracts.
After contract award, SHA’s Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) oversees the compliance process with the Headquarters Contract Compliance Officers (HQCCO’s) and the District Equal Employment Opportunity Officers (EEO’s), Program Managers, and field personnel. They monitor performance to ensure that the contracting and consulting firms comply with the applicable federal and state regulations governing participation in DBE and MBE.
OEO established the DBE/MBE Compliance Review Process to ensure the program’s integrity. Compliance is monitored on all contracts administered by SHA, including construction, maintenance, consultant services, information technology, and architectural and engineering contracts.
DBE Supportive Services
The primary objectives of the DBE Supportive Services Program are to increase the certified DBEs participating in the heavy transportation industry and to contribute to the growth and self-sufficiency of D/MBE firms.
SHA provides supportive services to MDOT Certified DBE firms conducting business with or seeking to conduct business with SHA. Supportive services contribute to the growth and eventual self-sufficiency of DBEs so that they may achieve proficiency in competing for contracts and subcontracts.
D/MBE Reporting
Check below for Office of Equal Opportunity reporting requirements if you are participating in a program for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises or Minority Business Enterprises.
DBE Business Development Reimbursement Program (BDRP)
BDRP contributes to the growth and sustainability of DBE firms that are certified to perform work on heavy transportation contracts by reimbursing DBEs for products and services that contribute to their growth, self-sufficiency and overall business practices. Participation in BDRP assists DBE firms’ eligibility to compete in the heavy transportation marketplace.
Business Development Reimbursement Program FAQs
History of the MBE Program in Maryland
In 1978, Maryland's General Assembly enacted legislation creating the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program to ensure that socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners are included in the State’s procurement and contracting opportunities. Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) adheres to the MBE regulations and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) by making every effort to award an overall minimum goal of 29% of the state-funded procurements and 26.39% of the federally funded procurement contracts directly (prime contractors) or indirectly (subcontractors) to MDOT-certified MBE and DBE firms.
Our Commitment
MDOT SHA is committed to the intent and philosophy of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Minority Business Enterprise Programs (D/MBE). MDOT SHA monitors the participation and representation of contractors in the program to ensure that they comply with the requirements of the program as addressed in the
Code of Federal Regulations 49 CFR 26.37 (b) (c) and in accordance with the MDOT D/MBE program guidelines.
MDOT SHA reviews contracts at the designated value to set narrowly tailored MBE or DBE goals on a contract-by-contract basis. Procedures assure that an award of a contract is not made until a prime contractor has met the established MBE or DBE goal by subcontracting with MDOT certified D/MBE firms or has demonstrated a good faith effort to meet the contract specific goals.
MBE Fraud Hotline
If you suspect fraud involving an MDOT Certified DBE or MBE firm, you may contact the MBE Fraud Hotline. A call to the hotline will trigger an investigation. The more details you provide, the better chance we have of determining whether fraud has been committed. Callers may remain anonymous.
Resources
MBE Fraud Hotline 1-800-544-6056