Established in 2008, MDOT’s Minority Business Enterprise/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Compliance Program was designed to remedy ongoing discrimination and the continuing effects of past discrimination in locally assisted highway, transit, airport, and highway safety financial assistance transportation contracting markets. The program is comprised of the following components
Compliance and Monitoring
As an oversight function, the M/DBE Compliance Program works to provide information, training, and technical assistance to MDOT transportation business units (TBU). In this role, the Program helps to establish, update, and disseminate MBE and DBE program best practices and develops MBE and DBE reporting protocols to ensure timely and accurate data collection and reporting.
Procurement Assistance
The M/DBE Compliance Program consistently identifies opportunities for participation while promoting the benefits of MBE certification. MDOT’s vision is to achieve 29% MBE participation and effectively increase the percentages, incrementally. And when a problem arises that cannot be resolved between the prime contractor and M/DBE subcontractors, the M/DBE Compliance Program is the first point of contact to assist with quick resolution. Inquiries are logged, investigated, and monitored to ensure resolution.
Training and Outreach
The Office of MBE regularly schedules procurement outreach events to provide an opportunity for vendors to Gain an understanding of the purchasing process; Meet the County buyers and ask questions, Learn about bid opportunities with the County; Review a list of current contracts; Network with other vendors; Participate in other business workshops, seminars and conferences. Outreach attendance is not required in order to participate in the Baltimore County procurement process.; Collect and distribute MBE utilization performance data. This information identifies whether prime contractors are on target to fulfill their MBE contract commitments made at the time of contract award. The Department’s expectation is that the prime contractor will act in good faith to honor all MBE commitments.
For more information on MBE/DBE Compliance, including DBE and MBE program manuals, and accessing the MBE/DBE Directory, please contact MDOT’s MBE/DBE Program Manager.
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