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 MDOT SHA’s DBE Goal is 26.04%.  Because the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) receives state and federal funds, MDOT 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, MDOT 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 MDOT 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.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) provides supportive services to MDOT Certified DBE firms conducting business with or seeking to conduct business with MDOT 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.