Have you heard about the State of Maryland’s new Small Business Reserve Program?

On October 1, 2004 the State of Maryland implemented the Small Business Reserve Program, requiring State agencies to spend at least 10% of their procurement dollars with State-certified small businesses (SBEs).  The University supports this program, designed to stimulate small business growth and strengthen the Maryland economy.

What does this mean to you? 

Over half of the University's procurement of supplies and services is processed directly by campus customers using delegated purchasing tools (purchasing card, master contract releases and small procurement orders).  In order to meet the mandated small business target of 10%, the Department of Procurement and Supply needs your help.

What is the Department of Procurement and Supply doing to meet this new mandate?

All incoming requisitions are being screened to determine if an opportunity exists for procurement via small business.  Certain solicitations will be restricted to competition among State-certified SBEs only, as authorized by the new law.  We are also looking at all existing vendors with whom the University conducts business to determine if the vendor may be eligible for SBE certification.  We are also creating new Master Contracts with SBEs, which will be posted on the department website for use by the campus.

What can you do to help?  

You should consider purchasing from SBEs before going elsewhere.  Some suggestions:

(1)   Check the master contracts listed on the Department of Procurement and Supply' website at WWW.PURCHASE.UMD.EDU  to determine if the supplies or services you need are available for order from an SBE.  SBE master contracts are flagged for that purpose.  Use the purchasing card or ELF system to place the order.

(2)   Search for SBE sources before placing a procurement card order with any other vendor.  State-certified SBEs can be located via the link on the Procurement and Supply main web page, or via the program website:                                                                                                             https://www.smallbusinessreserve.maryland.gov 

You can then search by Commodities or Services to find SBE's capable of meeting your needs.  We think that you will find that the search tool is very user-friendly.

(3)  Should you know of vendors who may be qualified for SBE certification, please direct them to the program website or ask them to call Procurement and Supply at 301-405-5813 for assistance.  Online self-certification takes only minutes to complete.

What if you need help finding SBEs?
Should you need any assistance - purchasing from master contracts, using the Small Business search tool, or working with vendors to become certified - please contact the Department of Procurement and Supply at 301-405-5813.

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