Frequently Ask Questions - Baltimore City Public Schools

Frequently Ask Questions
1. What is the MBE/WBE program?
State MBE Program:

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 GOMA regulations requires
agencies to make every effort to achieve an overall minimum goal of 29% of
the total dollar value of their procurement contracts directly or indirectly from
certified MBE firms.
City M/WBE Program:

The M/WBE requirement was originally established under HB 64, which was
passed in the 1978 session of the Maryland General Assembly and signed into
law as Chapter 575 of the Acts of 1978. City Schools shall attempt to achieve an
aspirational goal of at least 27 percent MBE and 10 percent WBE of the total
dollar value of all contracts is made directly or indirectly with Baltimore City
certified minority and women’s business enterprises.
2. What is an MBE/WBE?
MBE:

is at least 51% owned and controlled by 1 or more individuals who are socially
and economically disadvantaged; and

managed by, and the daily business operations of which are controlled by, one
or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.
WBE:

that is owned, operated, and controlled by 1 or more women who have 51%
ownership;

in which the women have day-to-day operational and managerial control,
interest in capital, and risk and earnings commensurate with their percentage of
ownership
3. How do you participate in the MBE/WBE program?
State MBE Program:

In order to participate in the MBE program, a firm must obtain certification as an
MBE. The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is the official
certification agency for the State of Maryland and is the only State agency that
has authority to certify a firm as an MBE
City M/WBE Program:

In order to participate in the M/WBE program, a firm must obtain certification as
an M/WBE. Baltimore City is the official certification agency for the city of
Baltimore.
4. What is MBE/WBE certification?

Certification is the process by which a business is determined to be a bona fide
Minority Business Enterprise or Women's Business Enterprise by the Minority and
Women's Business Opportunity Office (City) or Maryland Department of
Transportation (State).
5. What are the certification qualifications?
State MBE Program:

Applicant must have at least 51% ownership.

Members of certain groups are presumed to be socially disadvantaged.

The minority applicants(s) must have an overall understanding of, and
managerial and technical competence and experience directly related to, the type
of business in which the firm is seeking certification.

Each minority owner must fall below the personal net worth cap established for
the State and federal programs.

Applicant firms must meet the small business size standards established by the
U.S. small Business Administration. Size standards are measured by a three-year
average of annual gross receipts or number of employees.
City M/WBE Program:

Independently owned and operated business

In operation 12 months before applying for certification

Minority or women-owned for at least 12 months before applying for certification

Have an operating office in the Baltimore City Market Area
6. How Can I become certified?
State MBE Program:

Application – Applicant submits a complete application and all required
supporting documentation.

Investigation – Investigator reviews documentation submitted by applicant,
conducts an on-site/job-site visit and prepares an investigative report.

Evaluation – MBE Advisory Committee (MBEAC) reviews the investigative report
to evaluate whether the applicant firm meets the MBE/DBE/ACDBE program
requirements.

Determination – MBEAC Chair issues a written determination.
City M/WBE Program:

Application – Applicant submits a complete application and all required
supporting documentation.

Evaluation - of all supporting documentation submitted by applicant.

Determination – once all required documentation has been reviewed and
approved a decision is made to either certify or deny certification to the
applicant.
7. How are the MBE/WBE goals established?
The overall MBE/WBE goal and the subgoals, if applicable, should be set for each
project, considering but not limited to, the following factors:
 The extent to which the work to be performed can reasonably be segmented to
allow for MBEs/WBEs to participate in the project;
 A determination of the number of certified MBEs/WBEs that potentially could
perform the identified work;
 The geographic location of the project in relationship to the identified certified
MBEs/WBEs;
 Information obtained from other school systems/City agencies related to
establishing a MBE/WBE goal and/or subgoals for similar construction projects
or procurements in the jurisdiction; and

Any other activities or information that may be identified as useful and
productive.
8. Where can I find information for Baltimore City Public Schools procurement
solicitations and other related links?

Solicitations can be found at:

Baltimore City Public Schools Procurement Link:
http://www.baltimorecityschools.org/Page/18962

EMarylandMarketplace link: https://emaryland.buyspeed.com/bso/

Maryland Stadium Authority link: http://www.mdstad.com/currentprojects/baltimore-city-public-schools-construction

Public School Construction Program: http://www.pscp.state.md.us/
(see: Local Education Agency)

Baltimore City: https://www.baltimorecitibuy.org/bso/external/publicBids.sdo

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